Strong polling by The Nationals candidate, Tim Coates, at the expense of the ALP vote meant Mr Windsor was expected to record a 2.8 per cent fall in his two-party-preferred vote, however.

By 7pm on Saturday, the ABC had declared all three independents – Mr Windsor, Bob Katter in Kennedy in Queensland and Rob Oakeshott in the seat of Lyne based around Port Macquarie – had been returned.

Mr Katter and Mr Oakeshott recorded strong swings in their favour of 11 per cent and 21 per cent respectively.

Mark Coulton, The Nationals’ member for Parkes, was comfortably returned with a 6.9 per cent swing in his favour.

Independent John Clements, who had been strongly endorsed by Mr Windsor and Mr Katter, was trailing in third position. The three independents are to be joined on the cross benches by Greens candidate Adam Bandt, who has won the seat of Melbourne.

Former Tamworth resident and Tamworth High alumni, Andrew Wilkie, is strongly tipped to win the seat of Denison in Tasmania as an independent.

If neither the Coalition nor the ALP obtain a clear majority in the days to come, then the complexion of the next federal government will be in the hands of the four independents and the new Greens lower house member.

Mr Bandt and Mr Wilkie have indicated they will support a Gillard government.