Wilkie teams up to fight the pokies

Independent Andrew Wilkie and Senator Nick Zenophon have teamed up to fight pokies.

The pair met in Hobart today to discuss tactics ahead of next's weeks serious negotiations over the formation of a minority government.

In a press conference today, the former intelligence chief and whistle blower reiterated that pokies were his 'flashpoint' issue.

He suggested a that there were a number of policies, which could minimise the social harm caused by the pokies, including capping the amount that can be gambled in a machine to $150.

Mr Wilkie also pledged that if elected he would put forward legislation to protect whistle blowers.

"I don't want anybody else to go through what I went through", Mr Wilkie said.

"There is a serious black spot in the legislation in this country".

When quizzed about his role in the formation of a minority government Mr Wilkie said he had three options.

"I can choose to side with Labor, I can chose to side with the coalition, or I can choose to side with neither."

"The only way I am going to side with anyone is if I am convinced they will provide a responsible and stable government."

Prime Minister Julia Gillard will have discussions with Mr Wilkie, who appears to have won the Labor seat of Denison, in Melbourne about his role in the new parliament.

Mr Wilkie is refusing to side with the three country independent MPs who have initiated negotiations with Labor and the coalition.

The standing of the two major parties in Australia's first hung federal parliament in 70 years may become a little clearer as the counting of votes continues today.

Both sides agree that Brisbane, held by Labor's Arch Bevis, is the only seat in play nearly a week after the poll.

The Liberals' Therese Gambaro has a lead of 743 with nearly 80 per cent of the vote counted, but an AAP analysis of the count indicates the final result will be much closer than that.

If Ms Gambaro wins Brisbane, the coalition will have 73 seats to Labor's 72.