Prime Minister Scott Morrison is interviewed outside a polling station in Sydney on May 18, 2019. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Morrison said he has always believed in miracles and credited “quiet Australians” for the shock election win of his conservative Liberal National coalition. With 60% of the votes counted, the ABC TV channel reported that the conservative coalition is on track to be returned to government by securing at least 74 seats in the 151-seat House of Representatives, just short of the 76 needed to form a majority.

Meanwhile the opposition Labor Party had 65 seats. Labor leader Bill Shorten conceded defeat and resigned.