Australian PM hopes of retaining office boosted by pact with independent MP

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Julia Gillard is the front runner in the battle for independent support
Tony Abbott's Liberal/National coalition emerged as the single largest party in the Australian election but fell three seats short of a majority
Miss Gillard's Labour Party is now just two seats away from sealing an overall majority after election victory after winning support of Tasmanian MP Andrew Wilkie, a day after the announcment of a pact with the Green Party.