At a press conference in Melbourne, Mr Shorten said he had spoken to Malcolm Turnbull, congratulating him on the win and that he wished him the best.

“Whilst counting has not concluded in a number of very close seats, it is clear that Mr Turnbull and his coalition will form a government,” he said

“Whether or not it’s a minority government or a majority government of one or two seats, it is clear they will form a government.”

Elected member for Lyons Brian Mitchell said the Tasmanian Labor team will continue to fight for Tasmania, despite not being in a position to form government.

“Tasmania has made it very clear that they rejected the Liberal agenda, and I think you’ll find the Labor team will be very united going forward in seeking to achieve what’s best for Tasmanian families, Tasmanian pensioners, and those doing it tough in Tasmania,” he said.