Labor is deeply disappointed by the United States Governments decision to terminate its relationship with the World Health Organization.
As we have previously acknowledged, there is considerable room for improvement at the WHO, but that improvement will not happen by walking away or asking it to do more with less.
The Australian Government should urge the United States to reconsider its decision and work with other Member States to ensure adequate funding of the WHO to continue to perform its important role.
Reform takes time, and requires the resolve of all Member States.
Its just 12 days since the US President wrote to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, giving the WHO 30 days to commit to substantive improvements.
And its just 11 days since the unanimous vote at the World Health Assembly to establish an impartial, independent and comprehensive evaluation of the WHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19.
Now, more than ever, the world needs a strong, effective and well-resourced WHO.
Many of Australias closest neighbours cannot tackle this crisis without the WHO, and the world will not emerge from this crisis without it.
As the American Medical Association noted in response to President Trumps decision, the WHO is leading worldwide vaccine development and drug trials to combat the pandemic.
This is also a reminder for all countries that perceptions of national influence over international organisations diminish the standing and capacity of those organisations - to everyones detriment.
Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.