Australian independent to support Liberal Party

Kingmaker independent lawmaker Bob Katter says he will support opposition leader Tony Abbott's conservative coalition following inconclusive elections.

Katter's announcement Tuesday takes the conservative Liberal Party to within two seats of forming a minority government. Independents Tony Windsor and Robb Oakeshott are expected to announce later Tuesday whether they'll support the Liberals or Prime Minister Julia Gillard's center-left Labor Party.

Abbott needs the support of Windsor and Oakeshott to gain a majority of 76 seats.

The Aug. 21 federal elections failed to deliver any party a majority for the first time since 1940.