What is a hung parliament? Everything you need to know as votes are counted
Labor is on track to form either a majority or minority government, with Nine projecting the Coalition has been defeated.
Anthony Albanese is set to be the next prime minister, with Nine political editor Chris Uhlmann saying the massive swing to Labor in Western Australia puts Scott Morrison out of reach.
The magic number to form a majority government is 76 seats. If neither party achieves that, then Australia will have another hung parliament.
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Australian opposition leader Anthony Albanese and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a debate. Getty
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What happens if there is a hung parliament?
A hung parliament means neither side has won enough seats to form government.
If that happens, a lot of wheeling and dealing with the crossbench will begin.
Both Morrison and Albanese would essentially be trying to convince independent MPs and minor parties to pick them as prime minister.
The fundamental thing one of the leaders must have is the agreement for confidence and supply.
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A hung parliament means neither side has won enough seats to form government. Nine
In other words, they'll be asking crossbenchers to guarantee they won't support votes to bring the government down – this constitutes "confidence".
And they won't support votes that stop the government from doing its ordinary business, such as paying public servants and social security bills – this is "supply".
If Scott Morrison or Anthony Albanese could secure those guarantees, they'd go to the Governor-General and say, "I enjoy the confidence of the House".
The Governor-General could then commission a Prime Minister to form a minority government.
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If Scott Morrison or Anthony Albanese could secure supply and confidence guarantees, they'd go to the Governor-General and say, "I enjoy the confidence of the House". Nine
What's in it for the crossbenchers?
They would issue certain demands in exchange for their support – for example, they may insist on a change or commitment to a certain policy.
Is a hung parliament common in Australia?
In the federal parliament, it's only happened once since World War II.
At the 2010 election, the Coalition and Labor each landed 72 seats.
That meant they each needed to find another four votes.
Julia Gillard remained caretaker Prime Minister as both sides attempted to woo the six MPs on the crossbench.
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The last hung parliament occurred following the 2010 federal election. Nine
It took 17 gruelling days of negotiations before Labor was able to win enough support to govern in minority after striking deals with four crossbenchers.
Those MPs guaranteed confidence and supply, but they didn't agree to support all ALP measures.
That's why leading a minority government is hard work, because the crossbenchers hold greater power than usual.
Julia Gillard had to win the backing of every member of her alliance in order to pass most laws.
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Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese The Sydney Morning Herald
Why is there so much talk of a hung parliament at this election?
The opinion polls suggest many Australians will be voting for independents and minor parties over major party candidates.
Both Labor and the Coalition have primary votes in the mid-30s.
If current polling is replicated at the federal election, a hung parliament is the most likely outcome.
And then the fun begins.
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