Third week looms in Australia's political limbo

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Independents Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and Bob Katter. [AAP]

Last Updated: Fri, 3 Sep 2010 16:19:00 +1000

Australia's political limbo is set to continue into a third week, with three independent members of parliament still undecided which party to support following last month's inconclusive elections.

The three MPs have been in talks all week with both Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott.

One of the independents, Rob Oakeshott, says he will wait until at least Monday before making his choice.

Another, Tony Windsor, says he will not be pressured either.

"The easiest thing for me to do would be to back the Coalition in terms of the people in the electorate," he said.

"That's the easy pathway and I've got to make a decision whether it's the best one and I haven't made that call yet."

The Labor Party now has the backing of 74 MPs, with independent MP Andrew Wilkie the latest to sign up.

Tony Abbott's Coalition has 73 seats, including Western Australia National Tony Crook.

Independent MPs Bob Katter, Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor have refused to indicate which way they are likely to vote, but say they hope to make a decision early next week.