The outcome of the 2010 federal election may not be known for days, with a group of three independent members of parliament likely to hold the balance of power.
Neither Labor nor the Coalition has been able to win a clear majority and capture the 76 seats needed to win Government.
Both parties are now likely to face the prospect of trying to do a deal with three conservative-leaning independent parliamentarians – Bob Katter, Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott – to try and form a minority government.
In a speech given late on Saturday night, Prime Minster Julia Gillard started the process of courting the independents, congratulating them on the victories and promising to “respect” the role of independents in government.
But she also warned supporters that Labor faced “anxious days ahead”.
While there was a clear swing against Labor across Australia, the major beneficiaries were the Greens. Not only will they hold the balance of power in the Senate, but they have also made history by winning their first seat in the lower house – the seat of Melbourne, formally held by retiring Labor minister, Lindsay Tanner.
The winner of the Melbourne seat, Adam Bandt, has previously confirmed he will side with Labor in any hung parliament.
Another independent who looks likely to win a seat, Andrew Wilkie, is also considered likely to support Labor, although this has not been confirmed.
The heaviest losses for Labor were in Queensland and New South Wales, where the poor recent performance of state Labor governments appears to have damaged Labor’s prospects federally.
In Queensland, where the Coalition has won at least seven seats from Labor, the removal of former prime minster Kevin Rudd has also contributed to Labor’s poor performance.
Some of the prominent seats lost by Labor include the seat of Brisbane, held by long-time member Arch Beevis, and Bennelong, which was won by Maxine McKew in the 2007 election from former prime minster John Howard. McKew’s seat was won by Liberal candidate and former professional tennis player John Alexander.
SmartCompany will continue to monitor developments.
