The Australian government has been returned after help from two Independent members, Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott.

The pair broke Australia's political deadlock on Tuesday by agreeing to back Julia Gillard, the caretaker prime minister, in a Labor minority government.

After more than a fortnight, Mr Oakeshott and Mr Windsor today revealed they would give Labor their crucial votes, meaning the party has secured the 76 seats needed to rule.

The opposition party, the Liberals, have 74 seats.

Through the imprimatur of the two Independents, Julia Gillard avoided becoming one of the shortest-serving prime ministers in Australian history.

Mr Oakeshott's and Mr Windsor's decision to swing behind Labor was a bitter blow for opposition leader Tony Abbott, who came very close to winning the election.