(AAP) - City Origin coach John Cartwright says NSW hopefuls have never had a better opportunity to force their way into State of Origin than in Friday night's City v Country match in Orange.

(AAP) Transport and schools are set to be among the big winners in Tuesday's Victorian budget as the government throws money at major projects to prop up the flagging economy.

NSW Police are to be armed with extra powers to crack down on bikie gangs, making it
easier to get search warrants and seize assets.

Checkout-style plastic bags will disappear from South Australian shops from the close of business on Sunday, with the state the first in the nation to ban them.

Despite wide smiles and hugs all round, behind the laughter and camaraderie lurks a
steely determination to win The Best Job in the World.

ANZ Banking Group Ltd chief executive Mike Smith says he expects the bank's revenue
to continue to rise, but has warned bad debt provisions will also increase.

St Kilda extended their unbeaten start to the AFL season by cruising to a 28-point
win over the disappointing Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday night.

Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has defended his department against suggestions
that finding ways to save $20 billion would prove it has been incompetently run.

Australian coach Tim Sheens has handed the embarrassed Kangaroos one shot at revenge
over world champions New Zealand but says spots are wide open for the end of year
tour.

Well-off people might lose out on promised tax cuts as the federal government warns
it has to get tough in the May 12 budget.