Australian journalist Cheng Lei has arrived in Australia after spending more than three years in detention in China.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters Cheng was "elated" to be back home and was met at the airport by Foreign Minister Penny Wong earlier today.

"I was able to have a conversation with an Australian citizen, Cheng Lei, who has arrived safely here in Melbourne and has been reunited with her two children and her family," Albanese said.

LIVE UPDATES: Israeli death toll tops 1200 as brutal fighting continues

"Her return brings an end to a very difficult few years for Ms Cheng and her family.

"The government has been seeking this for a long period of time and her return will be warmly welcomed not just by her family and friends but by all Australians.

"Our focus remains on her interests and welfare and we are asking for her privacy and that of her family be respected at this time as she adjusts to what has obviously been a very difficult and traumatic period for her in her life."

Lei, a business anchor for China's state broadcaster CGTN and mother of two, was accused of illegally supplying state secrets, which she denied.

She was detained over the charges in August 2020.

READ MORE: Incredible photos of aircraft carrier show urgency of US support for Israel

Albanese said the Australian government had been seeking Cheng's return since she was detained.

"We know that this has been the subject of ongoing discussions between the Australian and Chinese governments and we have continued to make representations on behalf of Australian citizens," he said.

"Her matter was concluded through the legal processes in China.

"This is something that we have advocated for for a long period of time and I think that's certainly I pay tribute to all who have made representations."

The twins had his surname and he was named on their birth certificate.

The couple used the funds to develop a significant property portfolio.

The Australian and New Zealand entertainment industry has paid tribute to beloved stand-up comedian Cal Wilson, who died this morning after a "short illness".

Wilson, 53, was a familiar face on television screens with appearances on Spicks and Specks, Good News Week, Would I Lie To You and in her own stand-up specials.

She performed at the Melbourne Comedy Festival for 14 years and was a member of its board.

READ MORE: Australian journalist Cheng Lei freed from Chinese detention

Wilson was most recently co-host of Foxtel's Great Australian Bake Off, which was in production when she was first admitted to hospital.

Tributes for the performer have been flooding social media as the public and her colleagues comprehend the news of her death.

Rove McManus said he was "utterly devastated" and described Wilson as a "shining soul".

"Taken far far too soon from a world that adored her as much as she adored it," McManus said.

"We are a close bunch in the comedy business and Cal was one of everyone's favourites but also a stellar partner and mum.

"Sending all the love and light and support I can to her family especially right now."

The Block's Shayna Blaze said she couldn't comprehend the news.

"The most divine, radiant person who I have watched, admired and worked alongside.

"This is heartbreaking."

Actress Rebel Wilson said she was "very, very lucky" to work with Wilson on many projects.

"She was amazingly talented and amazingly kind," Wilson said.

Former Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott said it was "absolutely devastating".

"Cal you are such a beautiful person who always had time for everyone. Was always a pleasure any time I got to work next to you," he said.

Fellow comedian Nazeem Hussain said it was "completely heartbreaking news".

"Cal was the most kind and beautiful soul," Hussain said.

"Sending all our love to her family."

Wilson's management confirmed her death in a statement this morning.

"We are devastated to share the news that Cal Wilson, the much-loved stand-up comedian, writer and actor died today, surrounded by family and friends after a short illness at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney," Token Artists said.

"Cal's generosity, talent and friendship have been constants in the Australian comedy scene for the last twenty years.

"Cal was loved by her family, friends, fans and peers and a huge hole has been torn in the heart of our community.

"Cal is survived by her husband Chris and son Digby.

"The family are asking for privacy at this time."

Wilson was from Christchurch in New Zealand but moved to Melbourne in 2003 to star in the well-known sketch show Skithouse.

A painting of Wilson wearing a headdress made of doll parts and Christmas baubles featured in the 2023 Archibald Prize, taking out the Packing Room Prize.

Foxtel Lifestyle general manager Wendy Moore said her team were completely devastated to lose such "an amazing, vibrant person".

"Cal joined our Bake-Off cast last year and instantly brought her unique sparkle to the show," Moore said.

"Her professionalism, work ethic and genuine heart-warming humour instantly made her a favourite amongst cast and crew, as well as the Australian audience.

"We will all miss her so much and our hearts go out to her family and friends."

Advance voting is more than 40 per cent down from same stage of 2020 election.

The Police Minister says a boost in HQ staff includes police working on organised crime.

Voting in the Voice to parliament referendum is upon us, with some early ballots already being cast before on-the-day voting kicks off at 8am on Saturday.

There are hundreds of early voting centres already open across the country, while thousands will be in action on October 14 for referendum day.

This is what you need to know to find your nearest voting place – and how to snag a democracy sausage while you're at it.

READ MORE: Voice to parliament referendum: When, how and where do I vote?

Where to vote on referendum day

If you want to vote on referendum day, there will be around 7100 polling places open across the country on Saturday, so you shouldn't have too far to travel to vote.

You can find your nearest voting centre by entering your postcode, suburb or electorate into the interactive below.

READ MORE: Australia could wait almost two weeks for referendum result

Where to vote early

If you're planning on voting early, you have until 6pm on Friday to get yourself to an early voting centre.

There are more than 550 of those across the country. Again, you can find your nearest one by entering your postcode, electorate or suburb into the interactive below.

READ MORE: The referendum conspiracy theories to watch out for

Where to get a democracy sausage

One of the great traditions of election days, democracy sausages will be on offer at many voting centres on Saturday.

While there's no definitive resource containing all the sausage sizzle and cake stall plans, the good folks at DemocracySausage.org are once again compiling a list of polling places where referendum day snacks will be on offer.

Keep in mind it's not an official resource – their information is largely crowdsourced, so you'll need to take their list with a pinch of salt, splash of sauce, or whatever your go-to democracy sausage condiment is.

While crime has been a major focus, the biggest component has been absent in campaigning.

The landlords removed the tenants’ belongings from a shared shed and locked it.

Former Liberal MP Pat Farmer has finished his 14,500-kilometre run in support of the Voice to parliament with a passionate call from Uluru for Australians to vote Yes in the referendum on Saturday.

Having started in Tasmania six months ago – and worn through 14 pairs of shoes since – the ultramarathon runner completed the final 10 kilometres of his journey at Uluru at sunrise today, where he was met by a group including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

"Big country, a hell of a journey, but one that's probably the most worthwhile journey in my life. I feel this is my purpose, this and everything I have ever done in the past has added up to this point of time," Farmer said.

READ MORE: Voice to parliament referendum: When, how and where do I vote?

He called on Australians to take the time to read up on the Voice proposal before heading to the ballot box on Saturday, while also encouraging people around the country to "know and understand" Indigenous culture.

"Simply read the question and the Uluru statement," he said.

"If you read those two things, you can't possibly go any other way (than voting Yes)."

READ MORE: Why some brands are taking sides in the Voice debate

Farmer, who represented the Liberals in federal parliament for nine years, said he cried when he saw Uluru and recognised the significance of the moment.

"My eyes connected with my soul when I saw it and I felt my purpose in life," he told reporters.

Farmer isn't the only one to have teared up at Uluru over the past 24 hours.

Albanese also broke down on Tuesday night during an "Inma" ceremony when traditional owners sang, danced and presented him with a copy of the Statement from the Heart.

READ MORE: 'No Voice, no choice': NRL grand final hero backs Yes vote

Speaking this morning, the prime minister said he hoped Farmer's run would inspire Australians to support the Voice.

"An absolute inspiration for a guy who has run over 14,000 kilometres," Albanese said.

"What we're hoping Australians do isn't run 14,000km, just walk a few feet into a polling booth, and write three letters: Y-E-S."

He said there was "nothing to fear, everything to gain" from voting Yes.

Opinion polls, however, continue to suggest the referendum will struggle to gain enough support to be carried in Saturday's vote.