The Albanese authorities has taken a key step in direction of addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at Defence websites, saying the institution of a nationwide co-ordinating physique for the “ceaselessly chemical compounds”.
Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, will oversee the brand new physique alongside NSW Minister for the Setting Penny Sharpe, with an preliminary give attention to affected websites in NSW.
Over the subsequent 12 months, the nationwide coordination physique will broaden its scope to incorporate different states and territories. Ministers from throughout Australia will likely be invited to appoint representatives to hitch the physique and take part in its oversight.
Because the nationwide framework develops, ministers Khalil and Sharpe can even work intently with authorities representatives to arrange the primary community-based working group at RAAF Base Williamtown. The group will purpose to keep up momentum on PFAS-related points within the native space.
Khalil mentioned: “Communities affected by PFAS contamination want motion. That’s why we’re transferring rapidly to ascertain the nationwide coordinating physique and the primary working group in Williamtown.
The inaugural working group will embrace representatives from Defence, the Worimi Native Aboriginal Land Council, Port Stephens Council, and the NSW authorities. Members of the Williamtown group are additionally invited to take part, with expressions of curiosity now open.
These initiatives mark a big step in addressing the considerations of communities affected by PFAS contamination and enhancing the administration and oversight of PFAS remediation throughout the nation.
Khalil added: “The unbiased evaluate confirmed {that a} working group is one of the simplest ways to answer group considerations and ship significant reform for these impacted. The nationwide coordinating physique will assist the Williamtown Working Group, guaranteeing all ranges of presidency work collectively to handle the problems raised by locals.”
The creation of the nationwide coordinating physique and the Williamtown Working Group responds to key suggestions from the federal government’s December 2024 response to the unbiased evaluate of land makes use of round Defence bases impacted by PFAS.
Defence can also be progressing work to tell the Williamtown Working Group on drainage administration choices for areas south of RAAF Base Williamtown, a sensible step in direction of addressing group considerations.
The expression of curiosity course of to hitch the Williamtown Working Group opened earlier this week and can shut on Friday, 3 October 2025. Group members concerned about becoming a member of can full an software type.
“As representatives from different states and territories be a part of the nationwide physique, I sit up for working with their ministers to ensure folks dwelling in PFAS-affected areas get the assist they want,” Khalil mentioned.
