Anthony Albanese has led Labor to victory, with 7NEWS declaring first that Peter Dutton will not become Australia’s next prime minister tonight.
In another blow for the Opposition leader, he has also lost his seat of Dickson to ALP’s Ali France.
7NEWS political editor Mark Riley said the win has been so resounding that he expects Labor to form a majority government, bucking fears the party would only be able to form a minority.
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Earlier, 7NEWS national news desk editor Hugh Whitfeld said: “Peter Dutton’s hopes have been dashed tonight.”
“Let it either be a minority or majority Labor Government, with Anthony Albanese returned as prime minister.”
7NEWS political editor Mark Riley said he expected Labor could form a majority government.
Despite the polls pointing to a victory for Labor, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said he was not ready to celebrate yet.
Speaking to Nat Barr and Michael Usher, Marles said “signs are encouraging” but there is still a “way to go” before he will celebrate.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.
“There are certainly very many signs that are encouraging.
“(But) we will be celebrating when we know.”
Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash has slammed Labor in the wake of Anthony Albanese’s win.
“I think Bill Shorten made the observation that once a trend sets in, a trend sets in,” she told 7NEWS.
“The trend we are seeing tonight is clearly not a good one for the Coalition.
“I have to say, the online campaign by Labor and the Greens against Peter Dutton was probably the most disgusting I have ever seen.
“And I think that has resonated with people.”