Gippsland › Latest news › Russell Broadbent MP
Russell Broadbent challenges Australian dependence on WHO and pushes for autonomous emergency responses
Russell Broadbent questions Australia's reliance on WHO decisions in health crises, advocating for national autonomy in emergency responses, querying heavy funding and potential control shifts.
When the pandemic arrived on our shores in early 2020, we didn't know what to expect. But did you know that Australia had recently updated its Pandemic plan in August 2019? So, in fact, we were well prepared. This plan was founded on 100 years of pandemic experience and tailored to the Australian context. But what happened next, was not in that plan. Large-scale lock downs and school closures, mass vaccinations and masking, all these were not in the plan.
According to Broadbent, Australia's response, influenced by global advice, didn't always serve its interests. Concerns arise over WHO's potential control in future health emergencies
Pandemic response concerns
Our pandemic plan was effectively tossed in the bin! Australia's response seemed to copy other countries or was based on advice from the World Health Organisation - the WHO. However, many of the actions taken were not always in the best interests of Australia. Do you think an international body is best placed to make decisions for Australia? I don't.
But that's exactly what's being proposed as part of 307 International Health Regulation amendments which would see a future health emergency potentially controlled entirely by the WHO. How is that best for Australia? Yesterday I wrote to the Minister for Health expressing concern as to whether the amendments have been appropriately scrutinised by the government.
WHO funding concerns
Since 2012, Australia has allocated over $212 million to the World Health Organisation. And recently Minister Penny Wong announced the government would provide a further $100 million over the next five years!
Why are Australian taxpayers funding the World Health Organisation to take control of our emergency health response? Surely Australia is capable of doing this ourselves? Our own national interest must guide all future health responses.
Pictures from Russell Broadbent MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Cann River fire damages three commercial properties and burns popular Squires Cafe to groundCommunity feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024