Australian journalist Cheng Lei has been released from detention by Chinese authorities.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Cheng had arrived back in Melbourne after she was arrested in August 2020.

The former anchor for the state-run China Global Television Network was accused of national security-related offences.

Albanese said he was glad she had returned home, and the government would continue to provide consular support.

“Her return brings an end to a very difficult few years for Ms Cheng and her family,” he said on Wednesday.

“This is an outcome that the Australian government has been seeking for a long period of time and her return will be warmly welcomed not just by her family and friends, but by all Australians.

“The Australian people wanted to see Cheng Lei reunited with her young kids.”

Cheng was not granted regular contact with her two children.

–AAP