THE HON MATT KEOGH MP

MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

MERYL SWANSON MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PATERSON

MEDIA RELEASE

ALBANESE GOVERNMENT TO DELIVER MEANINGFUL REFORM FOR PFAS‑IMPACTED COMMUNITIES

The Albanese Government will establish a national coordinating body to respond to the specific needs of communities impacted by per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) around Defence bases.

In 2023, the Government commissioned an independent review into PFAS contamination around three Defence bases: RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales, the Army Aviation Centre Oakey in Queensland, and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.

The Government has today released its response to the review: agreeing to 18 of the 19 recommendations, and noting one.

The review calls for immediate action to strengthen coordination and integration across all levels of government to respond to the impacts of PFAS contamination.

Delivering on an important election commitment, and to directly address the concerns raised by local communities, the Albanese Government will establish: 

• A National Coordinating Body overseen by federal and state ministers, to improve management responses to PFAS and guidance to meet the needs of individual communities, and;
• A Williamtown Working Group to inform actions to mitigate PFAS contamination around Williamtown.

Work is already underway with the New South Wales Government to establish the Williamtown Working Group, which will implement and oversee pilot initiatives in the area surrounding RAAF Base Williamtown. This will include exploring options to mitigate PFAS contamination and manage the drainage network.

The Albanese Government will also work with the Minns Labor Government through the National Coordinating Body to review PFAS exposure risks for properties within the RAAF Base Williamtown Primary Management Zone. The Government will develop options of additional support for impacted properties that is meaningful. This will be informed by the work of an independent assessor.

The review also identified that credible and up-to-date information about PFAS was not easily accessible for impacted communities. The PFAS National Coordinating Body will help provide practical support and tailored information that is easy to understand for property owners and First Nations communities in affected areas around the country.

As part of the Government’s response to the review, the latest PFAS information, advice and developments will be easily accessible through a central, national PFAS website.

Communities across Australia have been living with the impacts of PFAS contamination for years, but the former Coalition government failed to listen to them, and address their concerns.

The Albanese Government is committed to seeing simple, tailored and impactful measures put in place to specifically address the needs of these communities, while also reforming the approach to PFAS at a national level.

Further information about the Review, including the Government response can be found at PFAS Independent Review | About | Defence.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh MP:

“For too long the calls from PFAS-impacted communities have fallen on deaf ears. The Albanese Government has heard these calls and we have taken action in commissioning and responding to this review to deliver meaningful, solutions.

“I thank everyone who helped shape the review. Your individual perspectives and experiences have significantly contributed to the Government's response.

“The Albanese Government is committed to implementing these recommendations and providing practical support and advice to impacted communities.

“I am confident the PFAS National Coordinating Body and Working Group will deliver a stronger and more integrated whole-of-government response.

“I want to thank Meryl Swanson for her unrelenting advocacy for her community on PFAS contamination.”

Quotes attributable to Meryl Swanson MP:

“This is an important, meaningful step in the right direction for Albanese Labor Government as we work to better support communities affected by PFAS contamination around Defence bases including Williamtown and surrounding suburbs.

“It’s been a long journey for our community, today’s announcement validates their concerns and I’m so honoured to have been alongside them every step of the way.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephanie Mathews (Keogh office) - 0407 034 485

MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Latham (Meryl Swanson MP) - 0418 503 709