On 5 December 2024, the Australian Government released the Government response to the independent review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination (the Review).

The Review focussed on communities around RAAF Base Williamtown (NSW), the Army Aviation Centre Oakey (QLD), and RAAF Base Tindal (NT).

Mr Jim Varghese AM was appointed to undertake the review. His recommendations were informed by a series of public hearings and stakeholder engagements with Commonwealth, state and local governments, affected communities, industry and academia.

Consultation

Public consultation was held to hear from all impacted communities. Public submissions closed on Sunday 3 December 2023.

The public submissions that Defence received permission to publish are available under the Resources section.

Government response

The Australian Government acknowledges that PFAS is a significant concern for communities throughout Australia and is committed to providing practical support to all communities impacted by PFAS contamination.

The Australian Government agreed or agreed in-principle to 18 of the 19 recommendations. Implementing the Government response to the Review will deliver a stronger, more integrated approach to PFAS.

Implementation

The Australian Government has established a PFAS National Coordinating Body. The Assistant Minister for Defence will have direct oversight and consult closely with relevant state ministers. 

In addition, the Williamtown Working Group will improve the coordination of the PFAS response and progress practical actions at a local level.

Defence will provide the secretariat resourcing for these bodies. The secretariat can be contacted via email pfas.secretariat@defence.gov.au.

For further information on the national response visit the PFAS website.