The Coalition has pulled ahead in the two-party preferred vote as three key independents held more talks with party leaders in an effort to decide who to support.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard had been using Labor's two-party preferred lead as a reason why four independent MPs should back her party to form a minority government.

But that argument may have disintegrated, with the latest election figures showing the Coalition now holds a lead of more than 1900 votes on a two-party preferred basis.

The AEC says about 80 per cent of the vote has been counted, with the final result not expected until Friday

A recalculation means eight seats have now been temporarily removed from the count.

Four of the removed seats - O'Connor, Lyne, New England and Kennedy - are broadly conservative, while the seats of Melbourne, Batman, Grayndler and Denison, are left leaning.

Three of those independents - incumbent MPs Tony Windsor, Robb Oakeshott and Bob Katter - held more talks with Ms Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott tonight.

Mr Windsor is upbeat about how the meetings went.

"I think they're both on the same page, they're both suggesting that they're keen to govern and I believe them," he said.

"I know there's some background noise around on both sides so I think we're sincere about this and they are as well and there were a number of things discussed today in terms of meeting schedules ... and they're very keen to address that."

Last week, the trio gave both leaders a seven-point list of demands which includes a plan for parliamentary reform, Treasury advice on the costings of election promises and briefings from the heads and shadows of 10 government departments.

"I think we've got to work through this fairly slowly and methodically," Mr Windsor said.

"A lot of people have a view but I've got to say I'm very proud that the overwhelming view I get is we trust you, you make the call."

The other independent MP, Andrew Wilkie, also held talks with Ms Gillard and Mr Abbott today to outline his policy priorities.

Mr Wilkie's list of 20 issues include pokie machine reform, more funding for the Hobart Hospital and for the Government to withdraw support for the proposed pulp mill in northern Tasmania.