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

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.

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

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.

Join us tomorrow morning when our live blog returns for live coverage of the 2022 Federal Election.

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

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.

It comes after the federal government confirmed earlier today it would support the AEC's recommendation to extend phone voting eligibility less than 24 hours before polls open tomorrow.

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."

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.

READ MORE

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."

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.

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.