(16:06): In early September 2015, my community was faced with a terrible shock. Splashed across the front page of the Newcastle Herald was: 'red zone'; 'contamination'. Commercial fisheries were closed down. Residents in Williamtown, Salt Ash and Fullerton Cove were told: 'Don't eat your eggs. Don't drink the water. Don't eat your fruit and vegetables.' It was the most awful time. They had been infiltrated by PFASs-perfluorinated alkyl substances from the Williamtown RAAF base had leached into their land, their water and their bodies.
Fast-forward through 4½ long years of speeches, committees, two Senate inquiries, a joint standing committee inquiry, tears, long-drawn-out articles-it was just the most traumatic experience for these people. But they would not be held back by their own government. They launched a class action-the first one of its kind in Australia-and last Tuesday-Wednesday, after a cancelled trial and failed mediation, they had a victory. A presettlement agreement had been made by the lawyers from Defence and the lawyers from our class action.
I just want to say a heartfelt thanks to my community. You have fought so hard. I am so proud to be your local member. I have used every tactic, strategy and tool at my disposal to walk this journey with you. And we have won. Well done, Williamtown! I wanted you to have options, and now you do.
