Kevin Rudd says he's been encouraged by the support of federal Labor members and ministers to contest for the leadership of the party.

But he says he'll announce whether he's actually going to run in any ballot, expected to be called by Prime Minister Julia Gillard for Monday, when he returns to Australia.

But in a clear pitch to caucus members, Mr Rudd has cited his record as prime minister, declaring the achievements of his government were formidable.

He says during his period as prime minister the government got Australia through the global financial crisis, allowing it to emerge better than the rest of the developed world.

Mr Rudd also says the Australian people and business community needed to have confidence that the government's in strong and stable hands when negotiating very uncertain global financial times ahead.

But senior Gillard government minister Simon Crean predicts Kevin Rudd will milk the leadership speculation for all it's worth then make a dramatic announcement on Monday.

So far Mr Rudd hasn't yet declared he will contest Monday's leadership ballot.

But Mr Crean says the outgoing foreign minister will learn an important lesson about Labor party discipline when he loses the ballot.

Mr Crean, whose scathing comments about Mr Rudd played a key role in bringing leadership tensions to a head, told ABC radio he'd be surprised if Mr Rudd attracted 30 votes in the expected showdown with Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

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