Australia votes in federal election as PM Seeks Reform Mandate

Australians have begun voting in the country’s federal election, where the conservative coalition government is widely expected to hold power.

The UK’s decision to leave the EU appears to have benefitted Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The prime minister and opposition leader delivered their final pitches to voters on Friday after a marathon eight-week campaign.

But Labor Party leader Bill Shorten said he still intended to win.

Mr Shorten is already answering questions about his leadership in the event of a loss, with frontbencher Anthony Albanese reportedly keen to challenge.

Nearly 15.5 million people are casting their ballots across Australia, where voting is compulsory.