The Greens say the Federal Government has no choice but to stop live exports, after the Agriculture Department admitted it can't guarantee the humane treatment of the live stock overseas. It follows an investigation by the ABC's Four Corner's program which revealed more footage of a shipload of Australian sheep being culled in Pakistan last September.

 

Wild weather has caused widespread power cuts in South Australia. More than 100,000 lightening strikes have hit the state, sparking grass and scrub fires. Emergency crews have been working through the night to restore power to thousands of homes.

 

Bids are even for another interest rate cut when Reserve Bank board meets today, the rate is currently at 3.25%.

 

Top jockey Damien Oliver will ride the Melbourne Cup favorite Americain today under a cloud, he's being interviewed by stewards investigating allegations he broke the rules two years ago by betting on a race in which he rode. It'll be a case of Australia versus the world when the nation stops to watch the Cup, there are several international challengers, six of them are among the top 8 favourites.