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Independents gather in Canberra

Three rural independents who will play a key role in determining who'll form the next government are expected to meet today for the first time since Saturday's election.

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Source: AAP


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Rob Oakeshott says, logistics permitting, he'll meet with Tony Windsor and Bob Katter in Canberra this afternoon to discuss their negotiating strategy.

"Negotiations can start to get framed, conversations can start to be had, relationships can start to be built," he told ABC TV on Monday night. "But really we can't get down to any formal negotiations until that final count is in."

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Mr Oakeshott is also hoping to meet the incoming Melbourne Greens MP Adam Bandt, who's already in Canberra.

But he said "realistically" Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott would have to wait until at least Wednesday to talk with the queen- or king-makers in person.

At the moment Labor has 72 seats, the coalition 70, the independents three and the Greens one. Four seats remain in doubt.

Labor or the coalition need to control 76 seats in the lower house to form a minority government.


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