There could be a hung parliament, says Tanya Plibersek

Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek has conceded there could be a hung parliament.

Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek. Picture: Getty Images

Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek has conceded there could be a hung parliament, ­despite Bill Shorten going into the election with expectations of a clear ­majority.

Ms Plibersek yesterday ruled out a coalition with the Greens but said Labor would be prepared to negotiate with crossbenchers if neither major party won a ­majority. “We will work with, as we have when we were last in minority government, the whole of the crossbench, issue by issue, on legislation,” she told the Nine Network.

“If you’re in minority government, you have to work with the whole crossbench. But, truly for Australia’s sake, I really hope people don’t vote for minority government because we’ve had six years of chaos and division.

“Having a minority government with Pauline Hanson and Clive Palmer calling the shots — I mean, it is a recipe for chaos.”

She told the Geelong Advertiser the result in the marginal Victorian seat of Corangamite, held by Liberal Sarah Henderson, would determine whether Labor won the election.

The seat is notionally Labor on a 0.03 per cent margin because of redistribution, and Labor heavily favoured its chances at the beginning of the campaign. It is now considered neck and neck on the back of a strong campaign from Ms Henderson. “If we don’t win this seat then I don’t think we’re going to win the election, that’s for sure,” Ms Plibersek said “It’s absolutely vital. This is one of the most important seats for us. Sarah Henderson is putting a lot of money into her campaign. It shows that she thinks she’s in trouble, and it shows that the Liberal machine thinks she’s in trouble.”

Scott Morrison visited Corangamite yesterday and also ­declared the outcome in the seat would decide the next prime minister. He issued the same warning last week in the NSW mid-north coast electorate of Cowper.

Labor strategists yesterday said a hung parliament was a possibility, although they backed Mr Shorten to win with a narrow ­majority.