Hunt optimistic of win in Flinders

Health Minster Greg Hunt appears to have fended off a challenge from disgruntled former Liberal MP Julia Banks in his seat of Flinders.

Mr Hunt said he was "very positive" but won't claim victory yet because of the high number pre-poll voting in the seat based on the Mornington Peninsula, southeast of Melbourne.

"We will not make any premature calls, but I have a roomful of happy people behind me," he told Nine.