Queensland LNP Senator Gerard Rennick has criticized the Albanese Government’s plan to donate $100 million (US$66 million) to the World Health Organisation (WHO), instead advocating that the focus should be redirected to assist those who suffered adverse side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines. He questioned the government’s ability to allocate $100 million for bureaucrats in Switzerland rather than addressing the issues from the last pandemic and helping those who were injured by the COVID-19 vaccine. He emphasized the prevalence of constituents with vaccine injuries who are struggling to obtain compensation and criticized the government for failing to address the issue.
Mr. Rennick also denounced Labor’s reluctance to conduct a royal commission into governmental conduct during the pandemic. His opposition to government-mandated COVID-19 measures and vaccines has been evident in his political stance. He and some of his Coalition colleagues have opposed COVID-19-related legislation in the past, particularly mandates for vaccines.
In contrast, the Albanese government announced a donation of $75 million over three years to the WHO in voluntary core funding and a further $25 million for the WHO’s Health Emergencies Program. This funding is aimed at helping the world prepare for and respond to pandemics by strengthening national health systems.
Furthermore, substantial amounts of Australian public funds are allocated to various international organizations and initiatives. Australia has contributed over $1 billion to the Global Fund, aimed at ending epidemics and fulfilling United Nations (U.N.) health goals. As part of the seventh replenishment between 2023-25, the Albanese government pledged to contribute $266 million to the fund in 2022, following a $242 million contribution in the fund’s sixth replenishment between 2020-22. Australia is also a significant contributor to the U.N., contributing over US$181 million to the U.N. itself between 2006-23.
Regarding vaccine-related claims, the federal government introduced the COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme for individuals who suffered side effects from COVID-19 vaccines. Despite this, some individuals, like Mark Briggs, have struggled to attain compensation due to legal indemnities granted to pharmaceutical companies. This has sparked concerns and discussions about the issue of compensating those who suffer adverse effects from COVID-19 vaccines.