Australia’s Coalition appears to have secured a shock election win on Saturday, defying expectations of a Labor victory. A powerful swing in key parts of the country put Prime Minister Scott Morrison into power again despite signs prior to the election being in Bill Shorten’s favour.
Scott Morrison was mobbed as he walked to the stage to claim victory accompanied by his wife, Jenny, and two daughters.
“I have always believed in miracles!” he said.
“I’m standing with the three biggest miracles in my life here tonight!
“And tonight we’ve been delivered another one!”
He thanked constituents and colleagues, including Australia’s Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. “Josh is a great mate, and he has been a great Deputy leader. Well down there in Melbourne, Josh, we’ve held the whole team together,” he said.
“And it’s a pretty good budget too – back in surplus, next year!”
The Labor leader conceded defeat. Mr Shorten said, “Friends, the only reason I’ve been able to give everything to this job for the last 2,000 days is because of the love and support of Chloe and our kids.” He also thanked his “outstanding deputy leader, Tanya Plibersek, Chris Bowen..and Penny Wong.”
Many key seats were lost by Labor, including a number of ethnically diverse areas.
Mr Shorten stepped down as Labor leader though he will still be member of Maribyrnong.
A Galaxy exit poll had found that the Labor Party could win as many as 82 seats in the 151-member House of Representatives. However, at this moment, the Coalition holds 72 seats, with Labor holding 63.
A powerful swing powerful swing to the Coalition in key parts of a divided nation has put Prime Minister Scott Morrison within sight of holding on to power after conflicting results in the north and south of the country produced a cliffhanger federal election.