The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the major treaty action Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 November 2025

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the major treaty action Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). The Committee found the amendments to the treaty are aimed at strengthening global preparedness for future pandemics. The amendments will allow the World Health Organization to respond to future pandemics more swiftly and effectively, through the following key measures: A new pandemic emergency declaration mechanism to improve early warning and elevate global attention to emerging health threats. Expanded core capacities, such as measures to combat misinformation and disinformation, and improved access to essential health products for developing countries. Strengthened global health architecture, promoting faster, coordinated international responses and reducing the risk of future pandemics. Committee Chair Lisa Chesters MP said, 'Australia already has strong health systems in place. The real benefit of these amendments lies in helping other countries strengthen their capacity to detect and respond to health threats early. This global cooperation ultimately safeguards Australians and reduces the risk of future pandemics.' The report also contains one minor treaty action relating to the Amendment to the International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006. The treaty provides a framework for cooperation between tropical timber-producing and -consuming countries in the promotion of sustainable forest management and legal timber trade. The amendment is to extend the treaty until 2029. The Committee supports ratification of the major and minor treaty actions and recommends that binding treaty action be taken. The Report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry. Media inquiries Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Chair  Korey Fernando, Diary Manager korey.fernando@aph.gov.au (03) 5443 9055 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing on 23 October 2025 for its inquiry into the Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). This inquiry lapsed on 28 March 2025, with the prorogation of Parliament, and was re-referred to the Committee for continued consideration in the 48th Parliament.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 21 October 2025

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing on 23 October 2025 for its inquiry into the Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). This inquiry lapsed on 28 March 2025, with the prorogation of Parliament, and was re-referred to the Committee for continued consideration in the 48th Parliament. The inquiry will consider the amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) which were unanimously adopted at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva on 1 June 2024. At the public hearing, the Committee will examine how the Amended IHR define countries’ obligations and rights in responding to public health emergencies of international concern, and their focus on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This includes provisions which increase Member States’ access to essential health products and financing required in public health emergencies. Committee Chair, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, said, ‘The inquiry will consider how the Amendments to the International Health Regulations aim to facilitate greater cooperation between Australia, and our international partners, in future high-risk health events, by encouraging collective action, and clarifying the rights and responsibilities of Member States during public health emergencies.’ The Committee will hear evidence from: The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Medical Professionals Society Australians for Science and Freedom Australian Multicultural Action Network Australian Institute for Infectious Diseases. Further information is available on the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 23 October 2025 Time: 14:45 to 17:00 Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra and online The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Chair  Korey Fernando, Diary Manager korey.fernando@aph.gov.au (03) 5443 9055  For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.