Australia has signed on to the world's biggest ever trade agreement. Fifteen Asia pacific countries wrapped up negotiations at the ASEAN summit in Thailand, despite India holding out on the deal. The regional comprehensive economic partnership, or RCEP, has been in the works for seven years. It will cover almost 30% of global economic activity. It's expected the deal will be signed next year.
41 people have been found alive in the back of a refrigerated truck in Greece. The discovery comes ten days after 39 bodies were found in a trailer in Essex, east of London. Police in Vietnam have now arrested eight more suspects in connection with those deaths, bringing the total number of those charged in Asia to 10.
The Royal Commission into the abuse of people with a disability has heard evidence of children being excluded and assaulted. The inquiry is examining Queensland's education system, during this week's public hearings in Townsville. Yesterday's the commission heard details of students being humiliated, isolated and shamed at school. In one case a student with a disability was made to sit on a dog mat in case they wet themselves. The hearing continues today.
And all eyes are on Melbourne today for the race that stops the nation. Clear skies are forecast — but last night's rain has left a soft track for the 159th Melbourne Cup at Flemington. 'Finche' is the favourite to take out the eight-million-dollar race with jockey Kerrin McEvoy chasing a record-equalling fourth Melbourne Cup win.