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.
