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Australia Independents Support Labor Government
Labor Government For Australia
Independent Australian MP Rob Oakeshott
Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, the remaining two independent MPs have announced their support for Julia Gillard's Labor Party, giving Gillard enough support to form a government.
With the addition of Green MP Adam Bandt, this will give Labor 76 votes to the Coalition's 74.
Earlier, prior to a press conference which was scheduled to include all three independents, MP Bob Katter announced his support for the Coalition.
Tony Windsor spoke first and reserved the right to propose a motion of no-confidence in the Govt. if he wished to do so.
Rob Oakeshott told a press conference announcig the decision that he has been offered a cabinet position - presumably in a Gillard government, he said the offer had no bearing on his decision.
Mr Oakeshott said he needed to consult with his family before announcing his decision on the offer and would not say what the position was.
Both MPs explained their decisions in terms of interests and outcomes.
They had agreed that a Labor Government was more likely to stay together for longer.
As part of a package of measures agreed to secure their support the pair had received agreement for a "regional package" to restore equity to rural Australia. The package is believed to be worth $1.8 billion AUD.
The two MPs also revceived a "package of outcomes" for each of their electorates.
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