After two decades, former prime minister Tony Abbott’s run as a politician appears to have been called to an end after independent Zali Steggall has clinched the seat of Warringah.
Mr Abbott suffered a major swing against him of almost 14 per cent as at 7.42pm (AEST), according to the Australian Electoral Commission.
Sky News, the ABC and the Nine Network have called the seat for Ms Steggall based on projections.
Former foreign minister Julie Bishop said climate change was a significant issue in Warringah.
"Tony Abbott is a climate change denier," she told the Nine Network.
"Liberals will have to reassess position on climate change, end the uncertainty."
Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese described the results as a "slaughter".
"This is unprecedented for a sitting member who has been a minister and a prime minister.
"The absurdity of his campaign showing he was so out of touch ... like he was sabotaging his own campaign."
Mr Abbott’s former chief of staff and staunch supporter Peta Credlin conceded the early results were not good, but remained cautious.
"Twenty five years is an incredible innings and not many people get to be the prime minster of this country.
"I'm not going to call it over on that less than one per cent of the vote, obviously there's postals and a hole lots of numbers.
"But I do accept he's in a lot of trouble."
Ms Steggal said her team had worked hard in the past four months.
"It's a democracy .... and so from my point of view, I think that's ultimately what the people from Warringah decide," she told Sky News.
Liberal Senator Arthur Sinodinos said the results were still coming in but accepted it would be a tough fight.
“It’s confirming what a very tough contest that is going to be for us,” he told the ABC.
Mr Abbott has held the seat since 1994 - a period of 25 years.
The former prime minister held the top job for two years before a leadership challenge by Malcolm Turnbull in 2015.
A former Winter Olympian, Ms Steggall has presented a strong challenge against Mr Abbott, with the support of activist group GetUp which has been campaigning against the former prime minister.
Climate change has featured prominently in the campaign.
It's understood it would take a swing of around 12 per cent to unseat Mr Abbott.
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