The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) presented its final report into Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) remediation in and around Defence bases today.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 31 March 2022

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) presented its final report into Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) remediation in and around Defence bases today. Chair of the PFAS Sub-Committee, Senator Dr Sam McMahon said, ‘This inquiry has sought to provide an opportunity for the public and PFAS-affected communities to document what has been done by Government to manage and remediate PFAS. It has also enabled Committee members to raise issues affecting residents of these communities, and to improve government accountability.’ ‘Since December 2019, we have monitored progress of the Department of Defence’s National PFAS Investigation and Management Program. This report is the third and final report issued by the Committee,’ said Senator McMahon. ‘The Committee acknowledges that there are ongoing issues remediating PFAS in affected communities, and issues with the engagement and support of these communities. This report has documented means by which the Australian Government can improve these efforts into the future’, said Senator McMahon. The Committee has made eight recommendations to the Australian Government, relating to the: implementation of previous recommendations made by the JSCFADT; quality of engagement and communication with communities affected by PFAS contamination; coordination with state and territory governments; examining potential options for people with high levels of PFAS to make therapeutic blood or plasma donations to reduce their levels of PFAS; and continuation of longitudinal studies on potential adverse health effects for PFAS affected communities. Further information about the inquiry, including the report, submissions, transcripts, and responses to questions on notice, can be found on the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Senator Dr Sam McMahon Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee 02 6277 3643 Senator.McMahon@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The parliamentary inquiry into per-and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) remediation will hear today from an expert panel of environmental service providers, partners with Defence in its National PFAS Investigation and Management Program.

Media release issue date: Monday, 7 December 2020

The parliamentary inquiry into per-and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) remediation will hear today from an expert panel of environmental service providers, partners with Defence in its National PFAS Investigation and Management Program. Senator Dr Sam McMahon, Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, said that the Department of Defence had selected leading innovators in PFAS remediation to address PFAS contamination at RAAF Edinburgh, Williamtown, Oakey, Tindal, and Katherine among other sites. ‘Global remediation experts Emerging Compounds Treatment Technologies (ECT2) and Ventia Utility Services are currently operating ground water and soil treatment plants at these sites, while Australian owned and operated innovator Synergy Resource Management’s solutions include mobile wastewater treatment technologies,’ Senator McMahon said. Submissions from these firms record impressive results being achieved at Defence bases. Billions of litres of contaminated water have been cleared of PFAS to levels well below Australian health guidelines. Defence also supported the first large scale trial of a world first technology which removes PFAS mass from soil at RAAF base Edinburgh. ‘The PFAS remediation panel will bring representatives from these cutting-edge firms to Canberra with US based executives involved via teleconference. The Sub-committee expects a productive discussion about Australia’s approach as part of the international PFAS remediation effort’, the Senator said. Submission nos 16, 21 and 24 to the PFAS inquiry into PFAS remediation are available on the inquiry site. Public hearing details:  Date: Monday 7 December 2020 Time: ~4:10pm to 5:30pm (extended time) Location: Committee Room IR1, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Senator Dr Sam McMahon Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee Senator.McMahon@aph.gov.au 02 6277 3643 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The parliamentary inquiry into remediation of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination on and around Defence bases will hear today from Professor Ravi Naidu, founding Managing Director and CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment— CRC CARE.

Media release issue date: Monday, 9 November 2020

The parliamentary inquiry into remediation of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination on and around Defence bases will hear today from Professor Ravi Naidu, founding Managing Director and CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment— CRC CARE. Senator Dr Sam McMahon, Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, highlighted the CRC CARE’s innovative research work in partnership with the Department of Defence. ‘CRC CARE conducts remediation of PFAS affected soil, surface water and groundwater at six different Defence sites. At RAAF Bases Edinburgh and Pearce the CRC’s matCARE™ technology has removed 99 per cent of PFAS from nearly one million litres of contaminated waste water,’ Senator McMahon said. The CRC’s matCARE™ technology uses modified clay in containerised mobile treatment plants for effective treatment in diverse locations. The CRC has also developed a suite of other matCARE products to immobilise PFAS and to address other environmental contaminants. As well as funding from Defence to develop a solution for aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) contaminated waste water, the CRC has also successfully bid for extended funding under the Government’s CRC program which supports excellence in research innovation. Senator McMahon advised that the CRC engages with 29 other research participants, including several leading universities, the CSIRO and industry, on projects addressing PFAS and other co-contaminants associated with mining and other activities. 'With this work in progress PFAS affected communities can feel confident that results being achieved now will make a difference to their quality of life in future’, the Senator said. CRC CARE’s submission (no. 19) to the PFAS inquiry into PFAS remediation is available on the inquiry site. Public hearing details: Date: Monday 9 November 2020 Time: ~3:40 pm to 4:30pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. via teleconference The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Senator Dr Sam McMahon Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee Senator.McMahon@aph.gov.au (02) 02) 6277 3643 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The second progress report of the PFAS Sub-committee’s ongoing scrutiny of remediation in and around Defence bases was presented today in Parliament.

Media release issue date: Monday, 31 August 2020

The second progress report of the PFAS Sub-committee’s ongoing scrutiny of remediation in and around Defence bases was presented today in Parliament. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said that the Government’s response to Joint Committee’s 2018 report on PFAS contamination in and around Defence bases is under the microscope in this report. ‘The Sub-committee had made a commitment to PFAS affected communities to evaluate progress under Defence’s National PFAS Investigation and Management Program while the response was being prepared’, Dr McVeigh said. The Government response to the JSCFADT report was presented to Parliament out of session on 20 February 2020. It maintained, overall, that current arrangements adequately address, or can address, the issues the Committee raised over a year before. The report tabled today makes ten recommendations to reform both high level and in-practice processes under the National PFAS program. These are grouped in four evaluative chapters, which respond to recommendations made in the JSCFADT 2018 review. ‘While the Sub-committee acknowledges good work is being done, the Committee wants the Government and its agencies to be more accountable to the public and people affected by PFAS’, Dr McVeigh said. ‘This means providing the facts, getting people involved, delivering support and compensation, and driving through legislation and international agreements that will phase out PFAS firefighting foams permanently’. The PFAS inquiry’s Second progress report is now available on the inquiry website. Further information about the PFAS Sub-committee’s progressive scrutiny of PFAS remediation work, submissions received and the public hearing information is also available on the inquiry site. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au 02 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear on Monday about a world first study being conducted to reduce PFAS levels in blood.

Media release issue date: Friday, 28 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear on Monday about a world first study being conducted to reduce PFAS levels in blood. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said that the Macquarie University is being funded by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) to conduct this $1.2 million study. ‘Last week the Sub-committee heard from the United Firefighters Union of Australia (UFUA) about high levels of PFAS exposure among firefighters and work with MFB to promote their participation in the Macquarie University’s PFAS blood screening program,’ Dr McVeigh said. The Macquarie University’s PFAS Clinical Study aims to discover whether a simple intervention program involving whole blood donation every 12 weeks or plasma donation every six weeks over a 52-week period can reduce PFAS levels in firefighters’ blood. 'The Macquarie University is supporting firefighters to find a feasible and practical solution to the occupational hazards of their work’, Dr McVeigh said. ‘However, this unique study may help all those affected by PFAS, as research into its potential health impacts continues’. The Macquarie University’s submission (no. 11) to the inquiry sets out information on the study, its timeframe and methodology. Submissions from the UFUA and Fire Rescue Victoria (now representing MFB) are also available on the inquiry site. Public hearing details Date: Monday 31 August 2020 Time: ~3:40 pm to 4:30pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra via teleconference The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear today about the legacy risks of PFAS-based firefighting foams to firefighters at these and other sites.

Media release issue date: Monday, 24 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear today about the legacy risks of PFAS-based firefighting foams to firefighters at these and other sites. Modern firefighters are exposed to a cocktail of toxic chemicals in many fire situations, and the United Firefighters Union of Australia says that the continued use of PFAS-based firefighting foams and PFAS contaminated water for firefighting is exacerbating those risks. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said that the UFUA will discuss its work to reduce these risks nationally and its international advocacy for the elimination of fluorine-based firefighting foams under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. In its submission, the UFUA has indicated that the legacy impacts of PFAS on firefighters and communities near fire training grounds are the same as those for Defence personnel and communities living in and nearby Defence bases. ‘In the inquiry, we’ve been told that some communities outside Defence base remediation areas are not getting the support they need to identify and deal with PFAS contamination issues’, Dr McVeigh said. ‘The Sub-committee will want to learn about the UFUA’s efforts with other unions, fire service employers, environmental and medical scientists, and with Government agencies to achieve practical results for firefighters and PFAS affected communities in Australia and overseas’. The PFAS Sub-committee’s program of review will continue the following week with evidence from the Macquarie University PFAS Clinical Study, which is based on blood samples from career firefighters provided by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade with assistance from the UFUA. Public hearing details Date: Monday 24 August 2020 Time: ~3:50 pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. via teleconference The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au 02 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hear today about safety standards governing consumption of PFAS contaminated primary produce in Australia.

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 June 2020

The PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hear today about safety standards governing consumption of PFAS contaminated primary produce in Australia. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is responsible for setting food standards in Australia and New Zealand. The Department of Health commissioned FSANZ to review PFAS safety intake levels in Australia in 2016. PFAS was used in fire fighting foams in and around Defence bases for decades. However, PFAS substances are also in many domestic products and are present at low levels in the blood stream of nearly every Australian. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said ‘The Sub-committee is keen to understand more about PFAS safety levels in relation to people and animals living in areas with higher levels of PFAS contamination in their environment’. ‘The Sub-committee has heard that primary producers in PFAS affected regions are still uncertain about these issues in terms of consumption of their own produce and what can be sold on the general market. This is unsettling for many’, Dr McVeigh said. The Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation has recently directed FSANZ to monitor PFAS in general food in its 27th Australian Total Diet Study. Dr McVeigh said: ‘There is a need for clarity from FSANZ about the currency of its standards, the nature of the review, and the implications for PFAS affected primary producers on a national basis.’ This is PFAS Sub-committee’s first public hearing following the COVID 19 restrictions. The public hearing program will continue during sittings for the rest of the year. Public hearing details: Date: Monday 15 June 2020 Time: ~4:10pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra. Due to social distancing requirements at Parliament House, members of the public will not be permitted to attend the hearing. An audio broadcast will be accessible at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee you can visit its website. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will today ask the Department of Health about PFAS and its potential impacts on human health.

Media release issue date: Monday, 24 February 2020

The PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will today ask the Department of Health about PFAS and its potential impacts on human health. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP noted that the 2018 report of the JSCFADT had called on the Department to issue an updated health opinion, as research overseas progressed. ‘We learned last Parliament that communities affected by PFAS had concerns about the Expert Health Panel’s opinion that there was ‘no evidence’ of human health impacts from PFAS,’ Dr McVeigh said. In the current review, the Australian National University’s PFAS Health Study reported progress in its research to clarify this health advice. The research is funded by the Department of Health with the results to be finalised at the end of this year. At today’s hearing, the Office of Health Protection’s Principal Medical Adviser Dr Gary Lum will brief the Sub-committee about the Department’s current thinking on PFAS and its health opinion, as the regulatory framework for PFAS evolves. ‘We will want to know how the Department of Health is capturing knowledge on PFAS impacts,’ Dr McVeigh said. ‘That includes by supporting research and whether this work is informing its engagement with the Department of Defence and people in affected communities.’ The PFAS Sub-committee’s program of review will continue over the course of the Parliament with a further report to be presented later this year. Public hearing details: Date: Monday 24 February 2020 Time: ~4:10pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On Monday 10 February, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will begin the new parliamentary year with questions about Government action on safety frameworks for PFAS in the environment.

Media release issue date: Friday, 7 February 2020

On Monday 10 February, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will begin the new parliamentary year with questions about Government action on safety frameworks for PFAS in the environment. The Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP noted that the national regulatory framework for environmental management of PFAS —per- and poly- flouroalkyl substances— is under review. “With safe levels for PFAS concentrations in soil and water being made more stringent, there will be new obligations for Government to focus on its PFAS remediation efforts”, Dr McVeigh said. Last year the Committee’s first report, tabled out of session on 20 December 2019, documented Defence’s progress using new cleaning technologies to purge PFAS from soil and water at affected Defence sites around Australia. At the hearing, representatives from the Environmental Protection Taskforce at the new Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will brief the Committee on the status of the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan, which is under review, and on other regulatory reforms limiting PFAS exposures. Dr McVeigh stated: “Environmental laws covering PFAS are managed at state and territory level. There is a need to ensure that Defence is working to a nationally consistent framework of safety standards and that environmental best practice is followed.” The PFAS Sub-committee’s program of review will continue the following week with the Department of Health. Invitations seeking feedback on evidence to date will also be sought in the course of the year. Public hearing details Date: Monday 10 February 2020 Time: ~4:10pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Today the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) tabled the first report of its inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases.

Media release issue date: Friday, 20 December 2019

        Over the 46th Parliament, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will undertake a watching brief of government action on per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) harms and their remediation. The Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee Dr John McVeigh MP said the inquiry will focus on the Department of Defence’s ‘National PFAS Investigation and Management Program’, with 27 defence sites now being assessed. “In undertaking this inquiry, the Sub-committee intends to conduct a rolling but targeted review of the Government’s PFAS remediation responses over the entire Parliament,” Dr McVeigh said. Dr McVeigh explained that the Committee notes the intensive community consultation in the previous parliament. Key departments, agencies and experts will be examined in public meetings and reports regularly submitted to the Parliament. Community commentary on the Committee’s reports will be invited, bringing the inquiry cycle full circle. “The aim of this inquiry is to provide the community information about actual progress in remediation of PFAS-related harms to humans and the environment— what is being done, when, and how effective it is, and an opportunity to comment,” Dr McVeigh said. The PFAS Sub-committee’s scrutiny follows on from a comprehensive review of Government responses to PFAS contamination in the last parliament. The inquiry report, tabled in December 2018, made nine recommendations to address community concerns. The Committee awaits the Government’s response to this report. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On Monday 2 December 2019, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hear from the Department of Defence about the effectiveness of its National PFAS Investigation and Management Program.

Media release issue date: Friday, 29 November 2019

  On Monday 2 December 2019, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hear from the Department of Defence about the effectiveness of its National PFAS Investigation and Management Program. The Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said that the Department of Defence is at the forefront of remediation work on per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination in Australia. The Department of Defence is now conducting PFAS investigation and remediation work at 28 Defence sites, with innovative water and soil treatments being delivered with the aid of expert environmental service providers. “The question for the Sub-committee”, Dr McVeigh said, “is whether these works are delivering the desired results, and being seen to do so?” Evidence from the ANU PFAS Health study last week confirmed what Sub-committee members have seen in affected communities themselves - the levels of anxiety and uncertainty are high. This is despite the evidence that concentrations of PFAS in the environment, and hence people’s exposure, is coming down. “With environmental regulations becoming more robust and locally based medical evidence being consolidated, reducing exposure to PFAS and its presence in water and soil is environmental best practice”, Dr McVeigh said. “The challenge is to ensure that the Department of Defence is accountable to the public for the work being done, and that affected communities, in particular, are informed of progress, and problems, at each step of the way.” The PFAS Sub-committee will report on the evidence taken by the end of the year and continue its ongoing scrutiny of government activity at hearings from the first sitting weeks of 2020. Public hearing details: Date: Monday 2 December 2019 Time: ~4:10pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at www.aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On Monday 25 November, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hold the first public hearing for its inquiry into the Department of Defence’s remediation of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination on defence bases.

Media release issue date: Friday, 22 November 2019

  On Monday 25 November, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hold the first public hearing for its inquiry into the Department of Defence’s remediation of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination on defence bases. The Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said that the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University (ANU) has been invited to report on work being advanced under its PFAS Health Study. “The ANU’s PFAS Health Study was commissioned by the Department of Health to examine the potential health effects of PFAS exposure on people who have lived or worked in the areas surrounding RAAF Base Williamtown, the Army Aviation Centre Oakey and the RAAF Base Tindal,” Dr McVeigh said. Dr McVeigh explained that the epidemiological study utilises blood samples gathered by the Government in a free blood testing program for people who had possible exposure to PFAS at/or near these sites. The PFAS research team will use this source for comparison and analysis and release a sequence of assessments over 2020. “Phase two of the study, now underway, will establish whether rates of diseases, including cancers, can be associated with higher PFAS exposure among people who have lived in the investigation areas, compared to the general population”, Dr McVeigh said. “The PFAS Health Study is doing essential work to provide up-to-date results based on local information to affected communities, as international research continues.” The PFAS Sub-committee’s scrutiny follows on from recommendations made to Government last parliament that the Department of Health should review its advice in relation to the human health effects of PFAS and its potential links to certain medical conditions. The inquiry report, tabled in December 2018, made nine recommendations to address Government’s management and coordination of PFAS remediation and related concerns. Public hearing details: Date: Monday 25 November 2019 Time: Approximately 4:10pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. This hearing will be audio streamed live at www.aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Over the 46th Parliament, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will undertake a watching brief of government action on per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) harms and their remediation.

Media release issue date: Monday, 21 October 2019

        Over the 46th Parliament, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will undertake a watching brief of government action on per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) harms and their remediation. The Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee Dr John McVeigh MP said the inquiry will focus on the Department of Defence’s ‘National PFAS Investigation and Management Program’, with 27 defence sites now being assessed. “In undertaking this inquiry, the Sub-committee intends to conduct a rolling but targeted review of the Government’s PFAS remediation responses over the entire Parliament,” Dr McVeigh said. Dr McVeigh explained that the Committee notes the intensive community consultation in the previous parliament. Key departments, agencies and experts will be examined in public meetings and reports regularly submitted to the Parliament. Community commentary on the Committee’s reports will be invited, bringing the inquiry cycle full circle. “The aim of this inquiry is to provide the community information about actual progress in remediation of PFAS-related harms to humans and the environment— what is being done, when, and how effective it is, and an opportunity to comment,” Dr McVeigh said. The PFAS Sub-committee’s scrutiny follows on from a comprehensive review of Government responses to PFAS contamination in the last parliament. The inquiry report, tabled in December 2018, made nine recommendations to address community concerns. The Committee awaits the Government’s response to this report. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au