The Albanese Government is looking to commit Australia to proposed amendments to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Pandemic Treaty and to its International Health Regulations.

The government is saying these are necessary steps to prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics and other international health emergencies.

But, fourteen parliamentarians from the coalition and the crossbench have written to the PM saying the reforms “pose a significant threat to Australia’s autonomy and independence on the global stage.”

Concerns have also been raised about the WHO’s failure in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its unwillingness to engage in a transparent and thorough process to isolate the disease’s origins.

Luke Grant chats with the Nationals Member for the seat of Lyne and former physician Dr David Gillespie, about what the reforms might mean for the sovereignty of Australia’s health policy, and what Australia could be forced to do if the WHO declares another pandemic.

Download this podcast here