THE historic national tally room has been axed for the upcoming federal election in favour of online results, after a decline in demand from television networks. 

Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn announced the decision today, revealing the Australian Electoral Commission will instead provide election results online, with constant updates appearing on its website on election night.

“A number of television broadcasters have traditionally anchored their election night broadcasts from the NTR. I have confirmation that none of the television networks intend to host their 2013 election coverage from the NTR. Notably this includes the ABC,” Mr Killesteyn said.

Mr Killesteyn acknowledged there was a “good deal” of history attached to the national tally room but said it would cost around $1.2m to stage again, an amount that has “become very hard to justify at this or future elections.”

“The networks’ decision diminishes the NTR’s perceived role as a focal point of the election, and has caused me to consider carefully its residual purpose,” he said.

He also noted that for the past few State elections, local tally rooms have progressively disappeared with costs and the advent of online results being key factors.