Australian federal elections 2016

Australia ruling conservatives win tight election

Mr Shorten said it was clear PM Malcolm Turnbull's coalition had won, adding that he had already congratulated him.

Votes are still being counted, but the government is expected to win just enough seats for a majority.

However, a strong swing against it has left doubts about its agenda and Mr Turnbull's leadership.

The Liberal-National coalition still remains short of the 76 seats it needs to claim a majority in the lower house, the House of Representatives.

Election 2016:Turnbull says he will work with crossbenchers to form stable government