Japanese officials have confirmed former prime minister Shinzo Abe has been shot.
The Chief Cabinet Secretary says Mr Abe was attacked while delivering a speech in the western city of Nara and was taken to hospital via helicopter.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the news on Twitter, sending his thoughts to Mr Abe's family and the citizens of Japan.
'Shocking news from Japan that former PM Shinzo Abe has been shot - our thoughts are with his family and the people of Japan at this time,' his tweet said.
