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So if Rudd has resigned, no meetings, just return to Australia? Don't you have an election coming up very soon down there, with Gillard in jeopardy? And her Foreign Minister resigns?

Not due until late next year. Now in the US that might mean campaigning had already started, we would wait 18 months.

That's assuming the Gillard government doesn't lose the support of Parliament and is forced to an early election. Which neither Labor or their Greens/Independent coalition partners want.

The difference is in the long game.
Those government members in electorally safe seats believe they will be there after the election, losing badly doesen't bother them as they will be bigger fish in a smaller Opposition. In the meantime they want to enjoy the fruits of office as long as possible, so no early election, no rocking the boat, Jules stays.
Those in marginal seats expect to lose them, so would prefer a change in leadership in hope of a less severe defeat in which they might retain their seats. Because Labor did badly last election, there are few real marginal seats left, so this group is outnumbered by the Gillard supporters who don't want a election any time soon.