Wednesday's news

10 Apr 2013

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has negotiated an agreement to undertake annual formal leadership talks with China. Meanwhile, foreigners are being urged to leave South Korea as North Korea warns of thermo-nuclear war.

Australia and China to undergo annual leadership talks

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has secured an unprecedented agreement to hold annual leadership discussions with China. Gillard is the first in the world to do so, just weeks after China’s new leadership took office. The Prime Minister, Treasurer and Foreign Minister will meet with their Chinese counterparts every year, looking to build on an already existing level of cooperation. ABC News has more.

Foreigners urged to leave South Korea

North Korea has urged foreigners to leave South Korea amid claims the peninsula is headed for thermo-nuclear war. The UN chief has warned of a potentially uncontrollable situation. Last week, foreign embassies in Pyongyang were encouraged to evacuate. Seven News has the full story.

Dengue outbreak in Townsville

Residents in Townsville are being told to kill mosquitoes after a resident contracted the dengue virus from a mosquito bite. Public health physician Dr Steven Donohue says this means that mosquitoes in Townsville are carrying the potentially fatal virus. Mosquito breeding sites include tyres, buckets, toys and pot plant bases. Residents should tip out or dispose of any containers holding water. Read more.

Severe flu season on its way

With a severe flu season on its way to Australia, doctors are advising people to get vaccinated against influenza. The elderly and the very young are particularly vulnerable. Those in high-risk categories such as over-65-year-olds, pregnant women and people with specific chronic diseases, as well as indigenous Australians 15 years and older, may be able to get the vaccine for free. See what the president of the Australian Medical Association had to say on Ninemsn.com.au.

Queensland mother awarded almost $500,000 in compensation

Robyn Wright, 45, lived for 18 months with the fear of contracting HIV after she was stuck by a needle in a Brisbane holiday apartment. She has recently been awarded almost $500,000 in compensation and has finally been given the all-clear following repeated indeterminate HIV results. Read more.

Kenya swears in new president

Following his victory in last month’s election, Uhuru Kenyatta has been sworn in as the new Kenyan president. This is despite his indictment for alleged crimes against humanity during a previous presidential election where 1200 people were killed. African heads of state, western diplomats and tens of thousands of Kenyans attended the inauguration. Read more.

Students hurt in stabbing in Texas

An apparent stabbing in a Houston-area college campus has left at least 14 wounded including four in critical condition. The suspect is allegedly 21 years old and is currently enrolled at the college. His identity has not been released. News.com.au has more.