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 the 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. Alongside it, the figures '76/74' can be made out.

There is also the mark '2/3' on the folder, which is full of messy, but legible writing.

The 76/74 split is significant as it indicates two of the trio could 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. The phrase 'best interests' is 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 find a way through' - with another arrow pointing to 'mid term review."