Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott arrived in Canberra today to start the transition to his coalition government, with a pledge that he would ensure the new parliament delivers Australians the “change they want”.

Abbott’s Liberal-National coalition won a majority in the 150-seat House of Representatives, ending six years of Labor party rule.

“...the people voted for change and change they will get.

“I am determined to ensure the parliament will give them the change they want,” Abbott said after arriving in Canberra for further briefings with public service chiefs.

Abbott has also warned the small-parties and independents likely to hold the Senate balance of power that he expects his government’s mandate to be respected.

With up to seven minor party candidates on track to seize seats in the Senate – including some on a tiny fraction of the vote – the Coalition faces a new challenge to implement promises including the repeal of the carbon tax.

Abbott said he would be respectful and courteous towards all who managed to gain a seat.

“But in the end I think they all need to respect the government of our nation has a mandate and the Parliament should work with the government of the day to implement its mandate,” the 55-year-old conservative leader told Fairfax Radio.

Abbott said parliament could resume as soon as next month.

Abbott and his cabinet are likely to be sworn in as Australia’s 28th prime minister next week, replacing outgoing Kevin Rudd.

Billionaire Clive Palmer’s party expected to win two seats – Queensland and Tasmania – in the Senate and the Australian Sports Party, a party for motoring enthusiasts, is expected to win a seat in Victoria.

The Senate will remain under the control of Labor and the Greens until mid-2014.

The Saturday federal elections also had several Indian origin candidates but no one has emerged as a winner.

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