The Biloela family celebrates election result, and all the election news in one place.

The Tamil family fighting for years to return to the Queensland town of Biloela are confident they will be allowed to go home under the new Labor government.

Labor promised during the election campaign the Murugappan family - Priya, Nades and their two girls Kopika and Tharnicaa - would be able to return to their beloved town if the party won.

Family friend and longtime campaigner Angela Fredericks says she called them on Saturday evening to tell them the news of Anthony Albanese’s victory.

“Many happy tears were shed,” she said in a statement. “We now believe that this long, painful saga can finally come to an end. This family has been away from their home for more than four years. They never should have been taken from the town that loved and needed them. As they make the long journey to Biloela to resume their lives here, they also commence a journey of recovery and healing.”

Fredericks said the family’s strength has always been at the heart of the Biloela-led campaign to return them to the town.

“Hundreds of thousands of Australians have opened their hearts to this family. We know Priya is incredibly grateful to every single one of them,” she said. “It is time to bring Priya, Nades, Kopi and Tharni home to Bilo.”

Family friend and Biloela local Bronwyn Dendle said campaigners were waiting for a new immigration minister to be sworn in, so they could start working out the logistics of getting the family back. The family has garnered support across the political spectrum.

And to celebrate the great news, the family and their supporters shared their reaction on Twitter. And it was emotional to say the least:

This is the moment Nades arrived home from work to the news that Australians had elected a new government, that has pledged to finally bring he and his family - wife Priya and daughters Kopika and Tharnicaa - safely home to Biloela.

Read our statement: https://t.co/57DsVY1VvZ pic.twitter.com/jlHZvIKYHV

— HometoBilo (@HometoBilo) May 22, 2022

We just called Priya in Perth and told her she and her family were coming home. Many happy tears were shed.

We now believe that this long, painful saga can finally come to an end. This family has been away from their home for more than four years. pic.twitter.com/1svmnDkrs0

— HometoBilo (@HometoBilo) May 21, 2022

Tonight, the Labor Party has been declared the winner of the 2022 federal election. We congratulate @AlboMP on his victory, be it majority or minority.

Mr Albanese has promised to allow our friends Priya, Nades and their girls Kopi and Tharni to return home to Biloela. pic.twitter.com/7deAfXit9E

— HometoBilo (@HometoBilo) May 21, 2022

We’re still waiting for confirmation as to whether Labor will form a majority government. But in the meantime, former Liberal Party frontbencher Julie Bishop delivered an accurate point during the election coverage last night.

Speaking about what exactly cost Scott Morrison the election, Bishop said a lot of it came down to women - their lack of trust in Morrison, his failure to connect with them and in turn secure their vote. 

“Women did not see their concerns and interests reflected in a party led by Scott Morrison in coalition with Barnaby Joyce,” she said.

“We have not mentioned at this point the impact of Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins, they changed the narrative when they exposed an ugly side to the workplace in Canberra. That resonated with women.”

Bishop also highlighted the fact that in those seats where female ‘teal independents’ were up against Liberal Party men, the vast majority of those women won - and it sends a strong message.

As Mamamia’s Mia Freedman also wrote today: “Women vote. Ignore us at your peril. Never underestimate the importance of engaging with and respecting women. No matter how you voted today, I think we can all agree on that.”

One overwhelming story.
Do. Not. Ignore. Women. #auspol

— Patricia Karvelas (@PatsKarvelas) May 21, 2022

Last night’s result proves that if you look the other way when it comes to women, the planet, corruption, bad behaviour & a refugee family who want to do nothing more than live a safe life in a country town that loves them, change is always going to happen.#insiders #AusVotes22

— Lisa Wilkinson (@Lisa_Wilkinson) May 22, 2022

Soooo

Politics changed tonight

Women changed it

Now THAT’S a MIRACLE!!

#AusVotes22 pic.twitter.com/hnTb7hOuN3

— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) May 21, 2022

There were plenty of seat changes in the federal election, and some are still yet to be called as vote counts remain neck and neck.

Labor suffered a major defeat in the previously safe western Sydney seat of Fowler with high-profile ALP candidate Kristina Keneally. She was up against local woman Dai Le, an independent who by all reports had stronger ties with the people she was representing, considering Keneally was "parachuted" into the seat. 

Perhaps not a shock was Craig Kelly's loss to Labor...

Both the seats of Chisolm and Higgins in Victoria have gone from Liberal to Labor. And on top of that, Josh Frydenberg's seat of Kooyong went to an independent. It sparks a strong message to the Liberal government, with voters calling for greater action on climate change and establishing a federal Icac. 

It was arguably Fyrdenberg's loss that caused the most shock. It was a strong possibility that he would lose the seat. But given his position in government and the fact he was touted to be the next leader - it was a major loss for the Liberals and its moderate faction.

Western Australia had some of the biggest seat losses, with many Liberal seats going to Labor.

Pearce, previously helmed by Christian Porter (a retired Liberal) went to Tracey Roberts from Labor. The seat of Hasluck with Liberal and Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt went to Tania Lawrence. And the same went for Swan, Cowan and Tangney. South Australia had one former Liberal seat turn red too.

Interestingly, two seats in Queensland actually went from Labor to the Greens, who ran a mammoth campaign in the sunny state.

Live: Counting set to resume as Liberal Party suffers high-profile election losses https://t.co/OcUeBZdrRz

— ABC News (@abcnews) May 21, 2022

- With AAP.

What a night it was for independents! Many of them were indeed women as well.

The 'teal independents' represented a group of 22 who received funding from Climate 20, which raised funds to support "underdog" candidates who stood for "cleaning up politics and following the science on climate change". 

They were also aiming to challenge Liberal MPs in city electorates traditionally considered 'Liberal party heartland'. And challenge they did. With the vast majority of Liberal losses being on the moderate side, political experts are interested to see what that means for the Liberal party now.

Some of the most high-profile seats to change hands include:

- Dave Sharma to Allegra Spender in Wentworth.

- Jason Falinski to Sopgie Scamps in Mackellar.

- Trent Zimmerman to Kylea Tink in North Sydney.

- Josh Frydenberg to Monique Ryan in Kooyong. 

Professional women standing as independents, who want action on climate change have re-defined the Australian political landscape this election. An extraordinary win for climate action! https://t.co/AGOXKKR2wy

— Jin Russell (@DrJinRussell) May 21, 2022

- With AAP.

Good morning. WHAT A NIGHT! 

It's official, Scott Morrison has conceded and Anthony Albanese will be installed as our 31st Australian Prime Minister.

Albanese has pledged to bring Australians together after defeating the nine-year-old Liberal-National coalition government.

READ: Everything we know about Labor leader Anthony Albanese.

At this stage, Labor is projected to hold 77 seats in the 151-seat parliament, with counting to continue this morning.

There is still the prospect Labor could fall short of a majority, meaning it would need crossbench support to govern as it did between 2010 and 2013.

"Together we begin the work of building a better future... for all Australians," Mr Albanese told supporters in Sydney.

Mr Albanese, who has made much of his childhood in social housing, being brought up by a single mum, said he hoped his journey in life inspired other Australians to "reach for the stars".

"I want Australia to continue to be a country that - no matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name is - places no restrictions on your journey in life."

In his winner's speech he also made a point of reiterating that Labor will implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart – in full. 

Watch his full speech:

Mr Morrison is set to remain in parliament, having retained his Sydney seat of Cook, but will step down as leader at the next Liberal partyroom meeting.

- With AAP

You can listen to Anthony Albanese on No Filter with Mia Freedman below:

Hey readers! Mamamia writer, Charlie Begg here.

It's late in the night, but it looks like we have a result for the federal election and a new Prime Minister.

According to several experts, Labor leader Anthony Albanese is projected to win the 2022 election.

While votes are still being counted, it’s now been deemed impossible for Scott Morrison's Coalition to form the next Australian Government. 

Although we will have to wait until the final results to see whether Albanese can govern in majority or will need the support of independents and minor parties, Anthony Albanese will become the 31st Prime Minister of Australia.

We'll be back when we have a result!

Hey there readers,

It's Mamamia writer, Charlie Begg here.

So, while there has been much buzz and speculation as to which party will form government this evening, it might not be quite as simple as that. 

As the sun sets on election day, there’s a very high chance that we might not have a result - or potentially, a new Prime Minister - tonight.

Appearing on Mamamia Out Loud, The Guardian Australia’s political reporter, Amy Remeikis, explained the reason why this may be the case.

“If the polls are correct in that they’re tightening - that means that they’re getting closer,” said Remeikis.

“If we have this many undecided voters and we also have a lot of postal votes to count - we’re coming up to about three million people already who have requested a postal vote - there is a very high chance we won’t get a result on Saturday.”

Remeikis explained that between pre-polling and postal votes, roughly six million Australians had already decided where they want their vote to go before booths opened today. 

But while pre-polling votes get counted on Saturday after those from election day polling booths, postal votes can come in for two weeks after the election.

“So, if it comes down to postal votes in deciding some of these key electorates, we could have a couple weeks until we find out,” Remeikis said.

“Or everyone could just be moving in one way, and we’ll have a result by 9pm on Saturday.”

Now we just have to wait and see!...

Good Afternoon! 

It's been a long six weeks of campaigning, but we're finally here.

As we head into the final few hours of voting for Australia's Federal election, we're feeling a little sentimental on our three-yearly tradition.

... And what a tradition it is.

Displays of Aussie larrikinism were out in full force, as were plenty of the humble democracy sausage and political pups. 

There's truly nothing like Australian politics. 

Here are nine iconic tweets that just capture election day. The Aussie way.

It’s gonna be an expensive Election Day at Budgy Smuggler. We expected maybe a few people would take up he offer to vote in smugglers for a free pair… we’re up to over 100 and it’s only 11am. You’re all lunatics but in a very good way. We’ll get the … https://t.co/9vLKWekXI5 pic.twitter.com/0xzSdogQCA

— #BudgySmuggler (@BudgySmuggler) May 21, 2022

When you vote early and just come for the food (Kegworth PS in #Grayndler). #auspol #democracysausage pic.twitter.com/a34xFtQ806

— Sarah McPhee (@_SarahMcPhee) May 21, 2022

Had to be done. #ausvotes pic.twitter.com/Pa4hlJT3ol

— Lyndal Curtis (@lyndalcurtis) May 20, 2022

Good morning to these dogs in Higgins who have been conscripted to the cause of democracy #ausvotes pic.twitter.com/wMJba0Pqxy

— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) May 20, 2022

Pork barrel cupcakes. @AntonyGreenElec jelly, the original democracy sausage. What have you spotted? #auspol #AusVotes22 pic.twitter.com/6p1DvIc4GM

— Lish Fejer (@lishfejer) May 21, 2022

rise and grind pimps let’s get that paper. by which i of course mean your senate ballot paper, which you should number in accordance with your preferences

— james hennessy (@jrhennessy) May 20, 2022

This kulbardi (magpie) is enjoying his democracy sausage 🥰 #AusVotes22 pic.twitter.com/tbJMnov9ke

— Sarah Collard (@Sarah_Collard_) May 21, 2022

Toto @AlboMP’s dog patiently waiting outside #auspol pic.twitter.com/DYsgNq1evD

— Lanai Scarr (@lanai_scarr) May 21, 2022

Did you get the dress code? If you're not dressed like Mullumbimby's Roddy, you should probably get changed. @nbnnews #AusVotes pic.twitter.com/EEBpGQuSpP

— Gracie Richter (@GracieRichter) May 21, 2022

Both Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition leader Anthony Albanese have headed to the polling booths, and then addressed media. 

Albanese cast his vote in the marginal seat of Marrickville, accompanied by his partner, Jodie Haydon and son, Nathan.

Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon have cast their vote. @SBSNews #ausvotes 📸: Pool reporter @TomMcIlroy. pic.twitter.com/bn3bB85enf

— Pablo Viñales (@pablovinales) May 21, 2022

Albanese said he felt "good" to cast his vote in such a crucial election, continuing, "It's always good to vote at Marrickville Town Hall. This has been my home for a long period of time".

In a press conference afterward, he told reporters he's hoping to "change politics" in this election.

"I want to change the way it operates. I want Parliament to function properly. I want democracy to function properly. That's why I'm in this.

"I'm in it to change the country and that's what I'm here to do."

Not long afterward, Prime Minister Scott Morrison headed to the ballot box, surrounded by his wife, Jenny, and young daughters in his home electorate of Cook.

PM Morrison casts his vote in his seat of Cook, surrounded by his family. @10NewsFirst #auspol pic.twitter.com/jhVK4aKFXt

— Stela Todorovic (@Stela_Todorovic) May 21, 2022

"This election has never been about me or my feelings or anything like that," he told the media.

"It's always been about the Australian people. That's what our government is all about and will continue to be about because I've seen Australians, with Jenny, at their best and in some of the worst of times for them and on every occasion, I have seen the great strength and resilience of Australians.

"And that's what pulled through. Supported by a government that believes in Australians, that's enabled Australia to be one of the strongest performing economies in the advanced world today."

The federal treasurer and Liberal MP for Kooyong, Josh Frydenberg has cast his vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Melbourne's Balwyn North. 

Entering the political fight of his life, he told media late this morning that he was confident against his Independent challenger Monique Ryan, to take out the seat of Kooyong - one of the most contested electorates in the nation.

“There’s a good mood out there on the booths. It’s a long day, it’s been a long campaign,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

And yep. It's been a long campaign indeed.

Proud to be joined by my wonderful family as I cast my vote at Belle Vue Primary School in Kooyong.

A vote for me is a vote for experience and someone who gets things done.

Vote #1 Josh Frydenberg. pic.twitter.com/2BkvoNSR1s

— Josh Frydenberg (@JoshFrydenberg) May 21, 2022

Hey readers, 

It's Emma Gilman here, and a very happy election day to you!

Today, Aussies are lining up around the country to vote for the future Australian government. 

Polls opened at 8am, and will close at 6pm AEST, 6:30pm in South Australia and the Northern Territory, and 8pm in Western Australia.

Here's what we know about who might take the win once votes have been tallied later today.

Morrison & Albanese have revealed their #ausvotes democracy sausage preferences on Today:

Morrison: with tomato sauce
Albanese: says he’s off bread but “sometimes I have double sausage… you get more sausage than bread. With onions, BBQ sauce” pic.twitter.com/7MrKhtNKFE

— Josh Butler (@JoshButler) May 20, 2022

If final polling proves correct and Labor has a 53 lead, it is likely we will see a trend emerge early this evening indicating a Labor government. 

Otherwise, we may have to wait longer for a result.

The final Newspoll, conducted May 13-19 from a sample of 2,188, gave Labor a 53-47 lead - a one-point gain for the Coalition since the previous week.

But let's get down to the nitty-gritty of numbers...

Primary votes were:

• 36 per cent Labor (down two)
• 35 per cent Coalition (steady)
• 12 per cent Greens (up one)
• 5 per cent One Nation (down one)
• 3 per cent UAP (steady) 
• 9 per cent for all others (up two).

54 per cent were dissatisfied with Scott Morrison’s performance (up one) and 41 per cent were satisfied (down one) for a net approval of -13, down two points. 

Anthony Albanese’s net approval improved six points to -5.

The incumbent-skewed better PM measure was tied at 42-42 after a 43-42 Morrison lead last week. 

Labor's 53-47 lead was seen in both Newspoll and Ipsos polls. 

The Coalition would need Newspoll to be at least as wrong as it was in 2019 to get to a 50-50 two-party tie. 

Bottom line?

It’s not impossible for the Coalition to win at this stage - but Labor is deemed more likely to take home the win with a probable majority.

We'll keep you updated throughout the day.

Good morning,

Rebecca Davis here, Mamamia's Senior News and Features Writer, coming to you on this federal election day. 

Well, it's been a six weeks choc full of dog-patting and baby-holding, but it all boils down to this one day, as Australians head to the ballot box to decide the future leadership of the country. 

If you're heading to the polling queues - or stuck in one already - good luck to you... And if you are still not quite decided as to who will nab your vote, I suggest you take a look at this piece, We asked Josh Frydenberg, Tanya Plibersek and Adam Bandt the same 5 questions. Here's what they told us, by Mamamia's News Editor, Gemma Bath. It gives a good rundown of some of the major issues. And if you'd prefer to watch rather than read, check out the video in the article to hear from the pollies themselves.  

What's also very important information that you absolutely need to know today? 

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Where to find a democracy sausage, of course. You can locate your closest snag here.

Happy voting!