TRANSCRIPT
- World leaders congratulate Anthony Albanese on Labor's victory in the federal election.
- The full count for the Senate could take weeks.
- And in the AFL, the umpiring decisions questioned in the Geelong game against Collingwood.
----
World leaders have congratulated Anthony Albanese on a historic second term in office.
In a statement, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he wishes Mr Albanese " continued success in serving the people of Australia and delivering meaningful achievements".
Meanwhile, Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto conveyed his "heartfelt congratulations"; and European Union president Ursula von der Leyen says the relationship between the EU and Australia goes beyond friendship, and she called for a further deepening in co-operation.
----
The Australian Industry Group has also congratulated Mr Albanese what it called a clear victory at a time of increasing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
The group's CEO, Innes Willox, says right now is the toughest time in a generation to be a business - and he urged Mr Albanese to tackle productivity, major reform to the tax system, and "connected and coherent skills system" to futureproof the workforce.
Mr Albanese says his approach in his second-term will be on looking out for each other.
"Australians have chosen to face global challenges the Australian way: looking after each other, while building for the future. And to serve these values, meet these challenges, seize these opportunities and to build that better and stronger future, Australians have chosen a majority-Labor government (crowd cheers)."
----
Ali France, the Labor candidate who unseated Coalition leader Peter Dutton from his seat of Dickson in Brisbane has thanked voters for their support.
The disability advocate, former journalist and world champion para-athlete won the seat in her third attempt and says it couldn't have happened without the dedication of the volunteers and members of her team.
She has vowed to be a dedicated MP for all voters in the electorate.
"Finally, thank you to all those in Dickson who voted for change - and maybe voted for Labor for the very first time. (cheers) Be assured, I will be a MP for everyone in the community, whether you voted for me or not. My door will always be open. And I will work my little heart out for you everyday."
----
The full make-up of the Senate won't be known for weeks, as the Australian Electoral Commission completes its official count, including early votes.
Independent David Pocock has been re-elected for a second term, after he made history at the 2022 federal election as the first independent senator to represent the ACT federally.
The latest count has seen voter support for him double
In a statement, he thanked voters, saying he is deeply humbled by the support.
Zali Steggall in Warringah is among the a number of so-called teal independents who won traditionally safe Liberal seats at the last federal election and retained their seats this time.
She will be joined by Allegra Spender in Wentworth and Kate Chaney in Curtin.
Ms Stegall told Sky News, when she visited polling booths on election day, the voter sentiment was clear.
"I think Australians have rejected adversarial politics and sort of divisive politics - and have looked for policies and solutions. I know from my experience on the ground going to - I went to 27 booths yesterday during the day. And overwhelmingly the message I got voters was they really rejected the fear and smear campaigns. We had billboards and signs - and plastered stuff. And they really rejected that."
----
Catholics from across the world have attended a candlelight procession and a rosary to mourn Pope Francis in St Peter's square.
Colombian Catholic, Jose Gomez, says that being in Rome helps him to feel close to Pope Francis.
"As Colombian people, we are really religious and really Catholic. So for us, it's a really good experience to feel this in the closest way possible, you know, because we've been hearing about this place all our lives. And this is the first time we are here. So for us, it's the best experience possible."
Some 135 cardinals are eligible to take part in the vote for the next head of the 1.4-billion-member Church.
They will begin their secret conclave to elect the new leader of the global Church on May 7.
----
In the AFL, Geelong has defeated Collingwood 90-87, ending the team's six-game winning streak.
Fans and commentators have questioned the umpiring decisions.
Geelong coach Chris Scott says the closing of the game was tense.
"It can't be repeated what was on my mind. I think it was a game where you expected something like that to happen. The whole free kick in the middle. It added to the theatre of it. Get forward and have a shot after the siren. The one that was more frustrating was a mark in the goal score before that. We were fortunate, I think, to get away with a win in the end."
