Independent MP Andrew Wilkie decides to back Gillard

Andrew Wilkie Source: HWT Image Library

"I have decided to support the ALP, so a future Gillard labor government will have my vote," he said.

Mr Wilkie guaranteed supply, but said he would still examine policies on their merit.

"I will not support any unwarranted no confidence motion brought to bear against any future Labor government."

"I will approach every policy on its merits, every piece of legislation on its merits."

The move comes after acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard signed a deal with Greens' lower house member for Melbourne Adam Bandt.

One of Mr Wilkie's key demands has been tighter restrictions on poker machines, calling for a $1 limit on pokie bets.

Mr Wilkie urged the three other independent MPs, Rob Oakeshott, Tony Windsor and Bob Katter to make the decision to support a party that offered "maximum stability."

In a press conference in Canberra yesterday, Mr Wilkie said he had knocked back a $1 billion offer from the Coalition for the Royal Hobart Hospital to instead accept a revision of the $1.8 billion health and hospitals fund, which will enable hospitals to access the fund earlier.

Mr Wilkie said he had rejected the "pork barrelling" preferring the proper process offered by the Government.

He has also negotiated a deal on poker machines with the Gillard Government, which he said he had worked closely with SA senator Nick Xenophon to formulate.

The Government has pledged to implementing pre-commitment technology on poker machines nationally.

"This is a fabulous commitment by the Prime Minister and it will go a long way to reduce the problem (of gambling)," he said.

"This is unprecedented in this country, that the federal government for the first time...that it is prepared to create legislation to force the states to act on gambling and poker machines in particular," Mr Wilkie said

Mr Wilkie said he had spoken to Mr Abbott and told him of his decision, but said if he did become Prime Minister he would not be obstructionist.

The Independent MP said he had rejected some "good sweeteners" from the Coalition that would have been popular in his electorate, but he had chosen to go for a Government that had been more committed to "process".

"I feel he (Tony Abbott) is a good man trying to do the right thing, but at the end of the day I had to decide which of the parties was going to deliver that stable, competent, ethical government I was talking about."

Mr Wilkie also said he hoped the three undecided rural MPs would chose to back the ALP, and create a "buffer" for stable government.

Julia Gillard now only needs the support of two of the three independents to form Government.

"I think it is quite likely that one or two or maybe three of the independents will come on board with the ALP," he said.

"I think from here because of my decision.. I think it is more likely that the ALP will get the numbers and perhaps even get a buffer to be able to provide stable government for the next three years."