Polls are due to open shortly in a general election that looks set to be one of the tightest in Australia for decades.
Julia Gillard, Australia's first female prime minister, is running neck and neck with conservative coalition leader Tony Abbott.
The polls are taking place two months after Ms Gillard ousted Kevin Rudd in a Labor Party leadership challenge.
Correspondents say she has been hit by a backlash over the move.
Fourteen million voters will cast their ballots when polls open at 0800 (2200 GMT). Voting is compulsory in Australia.
'Fix the mess'As the campaign drew to an end, one opinion poll gave Ms Gillard a narrow lead over Mr Abbott, while another had them level.
"This is a tough, tight, close contest and in a tough, tight, close contest, the real risk is that Mr Abbott is prime minister on Sunday," Julia Gillard said.
"Tony Abbott is too great a risk to your family's future and to your local economy". BBC News
