Where and how to watch and follow live Australian election coverage tonight
You've cast your vote, eaten your democracy sausage and now you want to watch the outcome unfold on Saturday night.
After you've loaded the Guardian Australia's election live blog on your phone or laptop, you might want to see what's happening on the TV.
Where can you see all the action and what time does it start? Which politician will be on which channel? Who will call the result first? Will there be another election night gimmick like the Worm, the Shredder or the Boot? Our guide to election night viewing gives you all the answers.
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The public broadcaster's election night coverage kicks off with national political lead David Speers and 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson at 5.30pm.
On the panel at the ABC's election centre in Ultimo, Sydney will be Annabel Crabb, Laura Tingle and Bridget Brennan, who will interview candidates from across the country. The grand master of Australian elections, Antony Green will be crunching the numbers for the final time on Saturday after more than three decades. The broadcaster will have live crosses to reporters in key seats across the country.
Politicians
Federal treasurer Jim Chalmers and Coalition senator James McGrath.
Gimmick
Jeremy Fernandez will present results in real time on the 'Big Board'.
Number cruncher
The ABC has two: Green and Casey Briggs. Green's prediction on timing: 'I always say that by 7.30 you will know the result or you'll know you have to wait'.
Wild card
Emotions may get carried away as Green calls the election for the last time.
You can also follow all the action on ABC NewsRadio and ABC Local Radio from 6pm.
Michael Usher and Natalie Barr are co-hosting Seven's Australia Decides program, alongside veteran political editor, Mark Riley, who has covered 11 federal elections over three decades in Canberra.
Politicians
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten, Labor ministers Tanya Plibersek and Clare O'Neil and Coalition senators Jane Hume and Michaelia Cash.
Number crunchers
Seven's national news desk director, Hugh Whitfeld, will present the results alongside political scientists Simon Jackman and Luke Mansillo.
Gimmick
Seven News is promising to 'call the election first using its 'cutting-edge technology' including the 7NEWS Power Board and the 7News Election Needle.
The Election Needle resembles a car's speedometer and claims to predict whether Anthony Albanese or Peter Dutton is winning the election.
Wild card
Guests Warren Mundine and Clive Palmer.
Hosted by Ally Langdon and Peter Overton, Election 2025: Australia Decides starts at 5pm with insights from 9News's political editor, Charles Croucher, national affairs editor, Andrew Probyn, and politics reporter Liz Daniels. Sarah Abo will be at Labor headquarters and Karl Stefanovic will be at Liberal headquarters.
Politicians
Labor ministers Katy Gallagher and Chris Bowen, and Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie.
Gimmick
Nine is keeping this gem under wraps. 'And of course, in true Nine tradition, we'll be giving departing politicians the send-off they deserve – the only question is: what will it be this time?'
Wild card
Former Liberal minister Christopher Pyne.
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Kicking off at 6pm, Australia Decides: 10 News First Special Coverage with the Betoota Advocate will be anchored by Sandra Sully with Ten's national affairs editor, Hugh Riminton, and network political editor, Ashleigh Raper.
Politicians
Labor senator Jenny McAllister, independent MP Kylea Tink and Liberal senator Dave Sharma will be in the studio.
Gimmick
The Betoota Advocate's Errol Parker and Clancy Overell will join the broadcast live from Betoota HQ, ensuring 'no moment goes un-mocked, or unmissed'.
Wild card
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie.
Australia Decides: Election Night, anchored by Kieran Gilbert, will feature journalists Andrew Clennell and Chris Uhlmann and Sky After Dark host Peta Credlin, a former chief of staff to Tony Abbott. Sky News hosts Sharri Markson and Paul Murray will be live from Liberal headquarters and Chris Kenny and Laura Jayes live from Labor headquarters.
Politicians
Labor minister Murray Watt, Liberal senator Sarah Henderson, former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce and former Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon.
Number cruncher
Sky News's chief election analyst, Tom Connell, will have emerging trends, projections, and results across all 151 seats.
Gimmick
Sky News is always first off the starting blocks so is a good destination for political junkies. It's a 6am start with First Edition: Australia Decides with Peter Stefanovic and from 9am, AM Agenda: Australia Decides, with Laura Jayes tracking turnout and early trends.
Wild card
Commentator Andrew Bolt and former Labor cabinet minister Graham Richardson.
As well as the election live blog, helmed by Krishani Dhanji we'll have news, commentary and analysis, seat-by-seat results and a special election edition of the Full Story podcast. On Sunday there will be a post-election episode of Back to Back Barries .
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