A little after 1pm, Mr Oakeshott emerged from fellow rural independent Tony Windsor's office, where he has been in last-minute negotiations with the third rural independent Bob Katter.

Moments later, Mr Katter emerged to say he would support the coalition to form government.

Mr Oakeshott walked from the meeting clutching a manilla folder, on which was scrawled a number of notes and other pen marks, snapped by Herald photographer Andrew Meares.

One of the most notable pieces of scrawl is the number 77, which is crossed out - with the figures 76/74 alongside it.

There is also the mark 2/3 on the folder.

The 76/74 split is significant as it indicates two of the trio would be supporting a Labor government, with Mr Katter now siding with the Coalition.

Other words able to be identified are Ted Mack, national policy, local outcomes, with the word 'best interests' circled on the folder.

Near this is the phrase 'judgment call; six of one, half a dozen of other'.

It is also possible to see the words, 'no mandate' and 'everyone has to fine a way through' - and an arrow pointing to 'mid term review."