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