Abbott says coalition returned

Tony Abbott says there will be a strong coalition government.

Ex-PM Tony Abbott has cast his vote in the seat of Warringah, saying "it's not about me". (AAP)

Former prime minister Tony Abbott says the coalition government has been returned.

Mr Abbott has won his Sydney seat of Warringah despite a 9.4 per cent swing against him.

"There'll be a strong coalition government in Canberra that can work with a great coalition government in Macquarie Street," Mr Abbott told supporters.