Families of victims of serious crimes are set to get more Government-funded assistance.

Senior ACC clinician Dr Peter Jansen has dropped his legal action for defamation against a sexual abuse claimant.

The ACC doctor who is suing a sexual abuse victim for $250,000 over critical comments which she posted about him on the internet says he will withdraw the action if there is a public apology.

A $1.7 billion higher-than-forecast deficit points to the fiscal challenges the Government faces in its May budget, Prime Minister John Key says.

Legislative changes effective today were met with a vocal response.

ACC has received almost 6000 claims as a result of the Christchurch earthquake and estimates the final cost will be $200 million.

This year's Budget deficit will blow out to 8 per cent of gross domestic product, says Finance Minister Bill English.

Chinese parents who lost their only child in last month's Christchurch earthquake will not be getting special compensation, Prime Minister John Key says.

The Chinese Embassy has asked the Government to give special compensation to Chinese families who lost children in last month's Christchurch earthquake.

Workers caught up in last month's Christchurch earthquake may be eligible for emotional trauma compensation from ACC even if they weren't physically hurt.

More than a week after the devastating earthquake police are still treating the situation as a rescue mission.

A man shot during an armed confrontation on an Auckland motorway early in 2009 says he's been made to feel like a witness rather than a victim.