Turnbull declares victory in federal election

[SYDNEY] Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on Sunday said his ruling government has won victory in the federal election.

Counting of votes continues but with forecasts indicating the ruling conservative government will enough seats in Parliament to secure an outright victory, Australia's opposition Labor Party on Sunday conceded defeat.

While Mr Turnbull retained power, his gamble in calling an election, ostensibly to clear the Senate of what he saw as obstructive minor parties, backfired badly with a swing to the centre-left Labor opposition and a rise in the popularity of minor parties and independents.

REUTERS