Prime Minister Julia Gillard will lead Australia’s first minority government in 67 years after two independent politicians threw their support behind her centre-left Labour Party today.

FORGET the prime minister. Real political power in Australia right now is being wielded by a maverick in a cowboy hat and his two colleagues. A week after national elections ended on a knife edge, the unlikely trio of lawmakers have emerged as kingmakers.

A conservative political leader rejected key demands from three independent politicians who are likely to decide which party forms Australia’s next government after indecisive elections.

Three independent politicians who will likely decide which party governs Australia said today they plan to demand details of how much competing election promises would cost the nation over the next three years.

TROOPS began delivering aid yesterday to an estimated 7,000 people who lost their homes to the cyclone that battered Australia's northeastern coast.