If you believe the horror stories of NSW Treasurer Mike Baird, next week's state budget could rival the thrills and spills of the slasher films The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Friday the 13th.

A new desalination plant has been officially opened in Western Australia's southwest to ease the reliance on dams in a region which is projected to get drier.

NSW must not become too dependent on renewable energy and needs to develop the gas industry in order to meet demand, says Energy Minister Chris Hartcher.

The federal government has boosted the level of aid to the International Red Cross to assist the people of Libya.

The coalition is attempting to fan the winds of change in the industrial relations landscape while keeping the spectre of its discredited Work Choices policies firmly buried.

A harrowing account of a mother and her young baby crushed under falling rubble has raised emotions during an inquest into Christchurch's killer earthquake.

South Australian Liberal Senator Mary Jo Fisher repeatedly asked a supermarket security guard if there was a way to avoid being charged with shoplifting, a court has heard.

Three people have faced court over a gun battle between two cars in Sydney's west.

The Socceroos will take a full-throttle approach against lowly Thailand to ensure they kick off their quest for a third straight World Cup appearance in style on Friday night.

Melbourne and Adam Blair will take their NRL fight-night medicine, swallow hard and refuse to complain publicly about its bitterness.