The American man who revealed secret details about the US government's phone and internet surveillance is seeking asylum in Ecuador. Former CIA worker Edward Snowden is now in Russia after fleeling Hong Kong. US officials had been trying to extradite him to face charges. 

 

Julia Gillard will be trying to divert attention away from her leadership and onto the economy this morning. The prime minister will address a key economic forum to sell the strength of the Australian economy. As Labor MPs gather in Canberra for the last sitting week before the election, they're being confronted by another bad opinion poll.

 

Unions are demanding access to Holden's financial books in response to the car maker's plan to cut costs. It's part of a list of demands to be presented to the Holden boss this morning. Unions say they want a written guarantee that the car maker will stay in Australia.

 

And as we mentioned earlier, New South Wales residents are bracing for more wild weather today. The State Emergency Service received dozens of calls for help over the weekend. More torrential rain and gale force winds are forecast across Sydney and along the coast today.