First exit polls indicate Labor win in Australian election

Supporters of opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten watch the results of Australia’s general election at the Labor Party function in Melboune on May 18, 2019. – Between 16 and 17 million people were expected to vote across the vast island-continent in a bitterly fought election that may be the first anywhere decided by climate policy. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP)

SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — The first exit polls from Australia’s climate-dominated election Saturday showed a victory for the opposition Labor party.

A Nine-Galaxy poll showed Labor beating the governing Liberal coalition 52-48, which would signal a clear parliamentary majority.

It would see former union leader Bill Shorten become prime minister after six years of conservative government.

The poll canvased 3,300 voters in 33 seats and echo pre-vote surveys that tipped Labor to win.

The poll was released shortly before the first voting stations closed in the east of the country at 6:00 pm (0800 GMT), with voting to continue for another two hours in the west of the country.