The dollar was 5 per cent weaker at noon as dire comments from US Fed about the state of the world's biggest economy sparked a sell-off in riskier assets.
VICTORIAN Premier John Brumby has denied knowledge of rape allegations against senior government minister Theo Theophanous before he was informed on Monday.
TASMANIAN MPs are accusing each other of childish behaviour after the state's Opposition leader directed a masturbatory gesture across the floor of Parliament to a rival politician.