The Northern Territory and Queensland have joined New South Wales as members of the National PFAS Coordinating Body, strengthening national collaboration on the management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
In September, the federal government announced the National PFAS Coordinating Body to drive coordinated action at all levels of government and within government agencies.
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Since then, Deputy Defense Minister Peter Khalil has worked with state and territory ministers to expand their membership and strengthen regional oversight.
“Communities affected by PFAS contamination need decisive action. That’s why we are expanding the National PFAS Coordinating Body to ensure support reaches those who need it most, across Australia,” Deputy Minister Khalil said.
“The Agency will apply lessons learned from the Williamtown Task Force pilot to undertake new initiatives in Queensland and the Northern Territory. These efforts will aim to build stronger partnerships with affected communities and deliver practical solutions on the ground.
“I look forward to working with both ministers to ensure all levels of government are doing everything they can to help communities manage the impacts of PFAS.”
The creation of the National PFAS Coordinating Body was a key recommendation of the government’s response to an independent review of land uses around key Defense bases affected by PFAS contamination.
The Northern Territory Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet would focus on PFAS remediation and community engagement around RAAF Base Tindal, near Katherine, while the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation would lead efforts to advance PFAS remediation and support communities near Swartz Army Barracks, near Oakey.
Deputy Minister Khalil would work with Northern Territory Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne and Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell to review the recommendations and advice provided by the National PFAS Coordinating Body.
The newly created coordination body will meet for the first time in early November.
“The health and safety of the territories remains one of our government’s top priorities,” according to Minister Burgoyne.
“Joining this body allows us to work more closely with others to deliver effective remediation, represent residents’ interests and secure long-term solutions.”
