There are currently two separate proposals being promoted by the WHO to increase their power. Firstly, the new Pandemic Agreement and secondly, changes to the WHO’s ‘operating manual’, the International Health Regulations. As the latest version of these documents is not online, I asked the Health Department to provide them.
Given that New Zealand has already published the changes they will be supporting in the IHR Amendments, I asked why is the Australian government’s position so secretive. Does this government take the position that these potentially sweeping changes to our health system are none of the public’s business?
Of these two proposals being put to the WHO’s member states, it’s the IHR amendments that still contain clauses giving the WHO powers of compulsion — medical tyranny. Officials and the Minister failed to actually provide the position of the Government on these changes – where is the transparency and accountability promised by the Albanese government?
Here is the Minister’s response – “The World Health Authority is exactly that. The World Health Organisation can give advice, but it has no legal mechanism to be able to enforce it upon us. As I’ve said, Australia has its own sovereignty in regards to making policy decisions around health for Australians and our border. I don’t think I can be any clearer.”
This ignores that the WHO does have a power to compel by using the UN’s powers over the SWIFT international payment system, and has used those powers against Russia and Belarus recently. The answer is specious.
Let’s hope the promise not to sign away Australian sovereignty is one promise this government keeps.
Transcript
Senator ROBERTS: I’ll move on to the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations and the so-called pandemic treaty or accord or protocol or whatever it’s called these days. The World Health Organization is currently reviewing two separate proposals to increase its powers—firstly, the pandemic agreement. A recent version of that document is on the World Health Organization website, dated 30 October 2023. Is this the latest version? If not, can I have the latest version?
Mr Exell:I do think there may have been an additional draft, but I’ll check and come back to you. I’m happy to provide the latest publicly released documents that are being considered.
Senator ROBERTS: The second proposal is for amendments to the World Health Organization’s operating manual, the International Health Regulations. These were proposed by the United States in 2022. They have apparently been modified in a negotiation process over time—several times! Do you have the latest version of this document, please?
Mr Exell:Again, the latest version of the document will be on the WHO website, but I’m happy to provide that to you, Senator.
Senator ROBERTS: The New Zealand government has published sections of the International Health Regulations changes it will be supporting. Clearly, their openness is more than yours on exactly the same matter. Minister, why is the government’s position to be considered none the public’s business on this very significant international health regulations draft?
Senator McCarthy:Senator Roberts, I’d totally disagree with your question in terms of the government not wanting to advise Australians on issues. I’d totally reject outright the premise of your question.
Senator ROBERTS: While the latest public version of the pandemic agreement does not sign away Australian sovereignty, the latest public version of the International Health Regulations amendments do sign away Australian’s sovereignty. Minister, will the Albanese government support the International Health Regulations amendments if they continue, as written, to include compulsion on Australia to follow World Health Organization directives?
Senator McCarthy:Our government always looks to the international sector in terms of what’s going on, whether it’s in health or any other areas, so we will always continue to do that. But of course our priority is Australians and the sovereignty of our decisions with regard to health for Australians.
Senator ROBERTS: So you’re guaranteeing sovereignty?
Mr Comley:I’d don’t think we would agree with your characterisation that it cedes sovereignty. Mr Exell might want to comment on how that will operate in practice.
Mr Exell: I am happy to add that I think both draft documents that are available refer to protecting the sovereignty of nations. The process is actually a member state process. In that sense there is no WHO. The working groups are led by member states. The participation is by member states. Then, when there is consideration of the Australian government, there is a formal process through the JSCOT mechanism that individually considers each and every resolution or change or consideration that comes before it. There is no notion of Australia giving up sovereignty. There’s an active process of consideration at both levels—the World Health Organization by Australia and other counties, and then, when it reaches the domestic ledge, it is also considered very carefully.
Senator ROBERTS: I understand that in earlier versions of the International Health Regulations that were strongly worded compulsions on the African nations. Several members of parliaments and congresses around the world have kicked up such a stink that the International Health Regulations have been watered back down again. But I’m very concerned about sovereignty.
Mr Exell:There are always a range of proposals and resolutions and adapted text. That is happening right now; there are consultations that are underway. The due date for a draft to go to the World Health Assembly is by May this year. They’re trying to do that, but there are lots of changes and discussions going on, so I wouldn’t want to comment on one particular draft or one particular set of ideas put forward by various countries.
Senator McCarthy:I have to reiterate that in terms of public health policies, Australia will always retain its own sovereignty in making decisions around our borders. I need that to be really clear with you, Senator.
Senator ROBERTS: I need to be very clear: I’m concerned about how much the international influence, particularly through the World Health Organization, drove our response to COVID. Minister, will you give a clear statement now that the directions of the World Health Organization are not binding on Australia and that the decision to follow WHO guidance, if it’s made, is entirely a matter for the Australian government, who can then be held to account for these decisions?
Senator McCarthy: The world health authority is exactly that: the World Health Organization can give advice, but it has no legal mechanism to be able to enforce it upon us. As I’ve said, Australia has its own sovereignty with regard to making policy decisions around health for Australians and our borders. I don’t think I can be any clearer.
CHAIR:I do need to rotate the call.
Senator ROBERTS: I hope the term ‘world health authority’ is not a Freudian slip.
We, the people, will not follow.
This govt doesn’t keep its promises. Why would it start?? This govt treats Australian citizens with utter contempt!!
I want to know how the people of Australia can have a govt thrown out with a vote of No confidence. Everyone is happy to complain but these people just keep doing what they are doing??
Dear All. Since completing my pharmacy degree over 40 years ago, newer ever observed levels of scientific prostitution well above 80% as from imposed covidophobia. Consequently, prepared a slogan for albo just below my registered trademark. If you can think of a shorter and more effective option, please let me know. Would be happy to volunteer as observer again to eliminate leftist scum.
Throughout history medicines and surgeries have been taken for granted and accepted as the norm during our lives , been a framework built on trust . Not anymore !!! These horrors of humanity that have infiltrated the WHO , UN , WEF to be doing what they are doing not only need to be eradicated from these organisations but
put on death row .
Who are a bunch of criminals and these traitors in our own parliament need to go !!
If civil war breaks out I tell you know laws won’t protect them once people don’t care anymore !!
Our once great country has been destroyed and our kids future has been changed for the worse !!
With all this GLOBALIST interference in our home afares actually cause people to REVOLT against our mindless government’s.
Thank you Senator for keeping us informed of the activities of the United Nations and its Agencies, In particular I applaud you for revealing the influence of the UN in the sexualisation of children..Why have we let it happen, and can it be stopped?
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Thankyou Malcolm for your efforts here. I don’t trust most of our politicians and bureaucrats.
Keep up the pressure!
If Australia has its own sovereignty, why during covid did we follow word for word the edicts of the WHO – it was a total sham and has woken up many to where our country is sadly heading.
How do the people go about reconfiguring the government. Can the constitution stop them from being part of an NGO outside of Australia?
The WHO is no more than an agency of the “Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation” and Bill Gates’ “Gavi”. Through these two so called benevolent organisations Bill Gates is the principal “donator” to the WHO and as such what he decides is what the WHO does. Not only “the payer decides” what is to be done but as a result of “Gavi’s” vaccination programes thousands have died, mostly in India and Africa.
Why should a multi-millionaire with his known ideas on reducing the World’s population be able to make decisions on Global health ?
If we are sold out to the WHO then prepare to be the target for the next released pandemic . If I had the choice between the devil and the WHO , I’d take the devil . Say no to any involvement with these criminal dictators.
I also received a similar lip service response regarding this treaty Australia must sign by May 26th. My question which they can’t answer is – If the treaty doesn’t give the WHO any power over us than why do they want us to sign anything. As usual from WHO and our government lies and discerption.
I don’t want these politicians making these health choices for me by giving WHO the decision that impacts my health