An inquiry by the Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has concluded by supporting amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) adopted by the World Health Assembly and recommending that Australia be a Party to the amended Regulations.
The amended IHR, along with the more substantial pandemic agreement (or treaty), which is in the final stages of adoption, are strengthened global health instruments developed as a result of lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Committee report noted that the Amended IHR “provide a cooperative framework for managing international health risks, with each country retaining full autonomy over its domestic implementation” and “implementation of the Amended IHR will be subject to Australia’s legislative and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that public health measures remain accountable to the Australian Parliament and people.”
Experts from the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) participated in the inquiry through a written submission and appearance at a public hearing.
The AIID’s submission to the inquiry supported the Committee’s ultimate findings by emphasising that Australia’s continued active participation in the amended IHR and pandemic treaty negotiations will better protect Australians from future threats by strengthening international cooperation, including partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
The AIID’s submission and a summary of our experts’ appearance at the public hearing can be viewed here.
The Australian Government will now consider the Committee’s recommendations.
