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Peter Costello (probably about to become Leader of the Liberal Party and Opposition Leader) about to speak at his campaign HQ.

Thanks party workers.

Says with postal votes, he should have increased his majority in his seat (Higgins).

Basically, it’s a speech thanking his campaign workers.

Thanks his campaign manager, and electorate chairman.

Thanks his staff.

Thanks his children.

Thanks his wife.

Kisses her.

Not his role to discuss the national situation.

It appears there’s been a swing of about 5%. It appears Labor has won significant seats.

The consequence of that will be known to you. It will lead to a change of government, that’s pretty clear. I won’t be doing any analysis tonight. The party leaders will do that.

I intend to speak to my colleagues about their futures.

I want to pay tribute to those members who have lost their seats.

I want to congratulate those who have retained their seats.

Extols the virtues of his party.

“I think the Liberal party will be very very proud of what it has achieved in government over these last eleven and a half years.”

Will have more to say later.

“I believe that our ambitions for our country should be as large as our country itself.”

PM IS ARRIVING AT CAMPAIGN HQ