Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here

Live breaking news: Monkeypox diagnosed in Sydney, Melbourne; Craig McLachlan drops defamation case against Nine newspapers; Changes to phone voting officially confirmed

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Welcome to the 9News.com.au live blog for Friday, May 20, 2022. Australia's first case of the rare monkeypox virus has been confirmed in Victoria, while a second is "very likely" to have been detected in NSW. Actor Craig McLachlan has dropped his defamation case against Nine newspapers, the ABC and former co-star Christie Whelan Browne. The Australian Electoral Commission officially extends phone voting eligibility less than 24 hours before polls open tomorrow. And a woman has been hit by car outside a Melbourne pre-polling booth.

- HAVE YOUR SAY: Vote on the key issues of the election here

- Monkeypox identified in NSW, Victoria

- Actor Craig McLachlan drops defamation case against media outlets, co-star

- Voting rule changes will make sure all Australians with COVID-19 can vote

- 'Horrible scene': Woman hit by car outside Melbourne pre-polling booth

live feed

That's all for today

Thanks for following along with today's live blog.

Making headlines today:

Australia's first cases of monkeypox has been discovered in Victoria - a man in his 30s who recently visited the UK - and a "very likely" second case has been found in New South Wales - a man in his 40s who recently returned from Europe.

Actor Craig McLachlan has dropped his defamation case against Nine newspapers, the ABC and former co-star Christie Whelan Browne, issuing a statement saying his decision to discontinue the case was due to the "utterly overwhelming" strain on him and his family.

Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have both campaigned in Adelaide today on the eve of the Federal Election, with both leaders making their final bids ahead of thousands of undecided voters heading to the polls tomorrow.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has officially made changes to phone voting, confirming in a statement people who have tested positive to COVID-19 after 6pm on Friday May 13 and have not registered to cast a postal ballot can register to vote over the phone.

It comes as voters faced long lines at pre-polling booths across Melbourne, with the number of votes submitted today expected to break the record-high level of early ballots cast yesterday.

In the meantime, you can stay up to date with all the latest news on 9news.com.au and nine.com.au.

Changes to phone voting officially confirmed

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has issued a statement saying that phone voting eligibility has now been formally changed ahead of tomorrow's federal election.

People who have tested positive to COVID-19 after 6pm on Friday May 13 and have not registered to cast a postal ballot can register to vote over the phone.

Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers says every Australian who has contracted COVID-19 can take part in the democratic process.

"With many jurisdictions internationally not offering voting services for COVID positive voters during the pandemic, we're proud to be delivering the combination of safe and secure voting services for all voters."

Woman hit by car outside Melbourne pre-polling booth

Two women have been taken to hospital after one reversed her car into the other outside at a pre-polling booth in Melbourne's east.

An elderly driver was trying to park a Ford Focus sedan near the polling booth at Maroondah Sports Club on Mt Dandenong Road in Ringwood East about 1pm when she hit a pedestrian.

Witnesses rushed to help the pedestrian, a 43-year-old Ringwood woman, who has been taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition.

Actor Craig McLachlan issues statement explaining choice to drop defamation case

Actor Craig McLachlan issued a statement where he said his decision to discontinue the defamation case against the ABC and Nine newspapers was due to the "utterly overwhelming" strain on him and his family.

"I cannot continue to place my family under that strain, and my own mental health will not withstand the continuing pressure," the statement read.

"Ending the case now will finally bring to an end the four years we have endured since the publications were first made, as well as avoid the need for other witnesses to have to ensure the cross-examination process.

"Along the way, I have been through a criminal trial, in which I was acquitted of all charges which were brought against me, and I look forward to restoring my health and spending more time with friends and family who have stood by me through this process."

Crown shareholders vote in favour of American takeover

Shareholders of Australian gaming giant Crown Resorts have voted unanimously in favour of a near-$9 billion takeover bid by American private equity firm Blackstone.

The deal – which is still pending regulatory approval in several states – was voted in with unanimous support today

.Following the news, Crown shares are up slightly, lifting 0.27 per cent to $12.86.

Monkeypox cases detected overseas among men after same-sex sexual encounters

Dr Kerry Chant has asked men who are gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men to be vigilant for monkeypox.

"A large proportion of the cases detected overseas are amongst gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men," she said.

"We are urging men who are gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men to be aware of any unusual rashes or lesions.

"Be particularly vigilant if you have returned from overseas from large parties or sex on premises venues overseas."

Chant urged anyone with these symptoms to phone a sexual health clinic or GP immediately.

"I wouldn't be panicking," she said.

Chant has warned NSW residents not to call triple zero if they have monkeypox symptoms as the line is reserved for emergencies.

© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2023

CONTACT US

Send your stories to contact@9news.com.au

Auto news: Ex-paramedic shares truth about those 'Baby on Board' signs.