A new Parliamentary inquiry will examine the Commonwealth Government’s management of (PFAS) contamination in and around Defence bases.
The inquiry will be conducted by the PFAS Sub-Committee of Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. The Sub-Committee is chaired by Mr Andrew Laming MP.
Mr Laming said the inquiry will examine the progress of the Commonwealth Government’s response to and management of PFAS contamination. It will build on previous parliamentary inquiries into this issue in light of recent developments including the establishment of the whole-of-government PFAS Taskforce and report by the Expert Health Panel for PFAS.
“The Committee shares the concerns of affected communities about the impact of PFAS contamination in and around Defence bases,” Mr Laming said.
“We recognise this is a complex issue requiring responses from Commonwealth, state and territory and local governments. This inquiry will examine how the Commonwealth is managing and coordinating these responses to ensure the best outcomes for those communities affected by PFAS contamination.”
The PFAS Sub-Committee invites submissions from anyone with an interest in the issues raised by the terms of reference, which are available on the committee’s website.
Submissions addressing the terms of reference should be lodged by 6 July 2018. Further details about the inquiry, including how to contribute, can also be obtained from the Committee’s website, or by contacting the Committee Secretariat.