As Labor celebrates a significant electoral triumph, around twelve seats are still too close to call, leaving the Coalition in a state of regrouping. With approximately 77 per cent of votes counted, Labor has claimed 86 seats, while the Coalition stands at eight, with independents holding eight seats, and the Greens securing three.
Candidates and MPs in 13 tight races are bracing for final results. Notably, in Melbourne’s Goldstein — a previously Liberal-stronghold — incumbent teal MP Zoe Daniel holds a narrow lead of under 100 votes against former MP Tim Wilson. Meanwhile, in Kooyong, teal MP Monique Ryan faces a similarly tense contest against Liberal challenger Amelia Hamer, with Ryan indicating on social media that the outcome remains uncertain and may take several days or weeks to confirm.
In Melbourne, Greens leader Adam Bandt is also experiencing a tight race, with a noteworthy swing of 5.4 per cent to Labor. Despite this, Bandt appears poised to retain his seat amidst an overall mixed outcome for the Greens.
Across the country in Western Australia, Josh Wilson, Labor’s sitting MP for Fremantle, confronts a precarious situation as he attempts to fend off Climate 200-endorsed independent Kate Hulett. Recent polling showed a 5 per cent drop in Labor’s support as votes continue to be tallied.
Additionally, an independent candidate is challenging for the traditionally secure seat of Bradfield in north-west Sydney, previously held by retiring Liberal MP Paul Fletcher. Teal contender Nicolette Boelle is in close competition with Liberal nominee Gisele Kapterian, following a 3.9 per cent swing in Boelle’s favour.
Other contentious seats still awaiting final results include Bean (ACT), Bendigo, Monash, and Flinders in Victoria, Franklin in Tasmania, and both Longman and Bullwinkel in Queensland and Western Australia, respectively.