Electoral Results Tighten as Key Australian Seats Await Final Count

Several formerly safe seats in the Australian federal election, including Labor's Bean in the ACT, have become highly competitive, with independent candidates mounting strong challenges. In Bean, Labor MP David Smith faces a razor-thin margin against independent Jessie Price, reflecting growing voter frustration and a shift away from traditional party loyalties. Other close races include Goldstein and Kooyong in Victoria, where independent and 'teal' candidates are either narrowly leading or fending off strong Liberal challenges, and Fremantle in Western Australia, where Labor's Josh Wilson is under threat from an independent. The Greens' leader Adam Bandt is also fighting to retain his seat in Melbourne, as Labor surges on postal votes. These tight contests underscore a broader national trend of voter volatility and the erosion of major party strongholds, with final outcomes hinging on remaining postal and preference votes. The results highlight how independents and minor parties are reshaping the Australian political landscape.