AMBERLEY FAMILIES DESERVE BETTER FROM TURNBULL GOVERNMENT

19 June 2023

The Amberley community is being left in the dark by the Turnbull Government and its investigations into PFAS contamination on RAAF Base Amberley and the surrounding area.

The Department of Defence started its detailed site investigation process in March 2017.

Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann MP, said “the Minister for Defence needs to explain to my community why her department is dragging its feet.”

“The investigation process has been going for 16 months. The workers on the Base and the community living nearby deserve peace of mind, not the uncertainty they have now. They deserve answers.”

When will the results from the detailed site investigation report be released?

What are the risks, if any, to the community living near RAAF Base Amberley?

Why is it taking so long to complete the investigation?

How many other Defence investigations have taken this long to complete?

How long will it take for the human health risk assessment to be completed?

When will Defence consult the community on the results of its investigation?

When will mental health services be provided to help with the uncertainty the community feels?

Mr Neumann said he looked forward to seeing these issues and many more addressed by the Senate inquiry into the Turnbull Government’s management of PFAS in and around Defence bases.

“If the Turnbull Government is serious about the concerns of residents living near PFAS contaminated sites, it would implement a national, consistent, coordinated approach. It would kick start the PFAS Task Force. My community deserves better than this Government mishandling of such an important issue.”