Threats to parliamentarians today 'like nothing we saw 20 years ago': Butler

Federal parliament will sit today for the first time since independent MP Dr. Helen Haines was attacked outside her electorate office. Parliamentary business will be suspended, with the prime minister to move a motion expressing support for Ms Haines and her family. She remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition. Then - Brazilians have been voting in a hugely consequential election that could take the country down two very different paths. We cross to Sao Paulo as polls close.

Polls were set to close at 5pm local time, or 7am AEDT, but a judge has now ordered that polls are to remain open after requests from both campaigns.

Security measures have been strengthened at Parliament House, where politicians will gather for the first time today without independent MP Dr. Helen Haines.

Federal parliamentarians have returned to Canberra, with motions of support to be moved today for Helen Haines and her family.

A warning - this story talks about still-birth and domestic violence.