so in fact it looks very much like it was the Libs lost some votes
Although counting hasn't finished it looks like the turnout will be down a lot. Thousands of people didn't vote in the by-election compared to the last general election. There was obviously a movement of votes all over the place. As you probably know what is important is whether the people who lodged formal votes for candidates other than Lib/Lab put Lab ahead of Lib or Lib ahead of Lab. The Libs gained on preferences but not enough to take the seat.
Also Palmer united Party is now United Australia Party but deregistered.
