It is almost a year since a senate inquiry handed down its recommendations on how the federal government should respond to the toxic firefighting foam contamination crisis that has ruined the livelihoods of residents living near Australia's defence bases.
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But it appears the government is in no hurry to respond to the inquiry's recommendations that include, among other things, a compensation scheme and the possibility of buybacks for affected residents.
"It is the height of arrogance for this government to refuse to respond to the community and also a senate," Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi said during a visit to Williamtown on Thursday.
"The people of Williamtown have waited long enough. I will be demanding an explanation from the government when Parliament resumes later this month."
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The inquiry into the management of per- and poly-fluoralkyl chemical contamination in and around defence bases also recommended assistance be provided to property owners and businesses in the affected areas, and the appointment of a coordinator-general to manage the national response to PFAS contamination.
The government said on Thursday that it was still considering the report's recommendations.
The government recognises that managing PFAS contamination is a complex issue. It requires an effective, evidence-based, nationally consistent response, based on the best available scientific evidence," a spokesman for the assistant minister for waste reduction and environmental management Trevor Evans said.
"The Australian government's action and investment to date in responding to PFAS contamination has been extensive and there has been regular contact with the communities.
"The government is carefully considering the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into the management of PFAS contamination in and around defence bases, and will respond as soon as possible."
But Dr Faruqi said the government's delayed response to the inquiry's recommendations was cruel to those living in the affected communities.
"Ultimately, the federal government must take responsibility for the PFAS pollution," she said.
"The community has waited and suffered long enough. It's time for action."
Queensland MP Andrew Laming, who chaired the inquiry, broke Liberal ranks last December when he made an emotional speech calling on the Coalition government to compensate residents.
He has since been removed from his position on the Joint Standing Committee.
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
