-
Related
A key Australian independent lawmaker has thrown his support behind Prime Minister Julia Gillard to form a government, bolstering her chances of holding onto power after inconclusive August 21 elections.
Tasmanian Independent Andrew Wilkie said he would support Gillard's Labor party, giving her 74 votes in parliament, one more than opposition leader Tony Abbott and only two short of a majority.
Wilkie's decision means the fate of the government now hangs on the decision of three rural-based independents, who would all have to support Abbott to force a change of government.
Wilkie had demanded gambling reforms in return for his support, to limit the amount people could lose on gaming machines.
Advertisement
