The Katherine community is left questioning whether the Turnbull Government is taking their concerns regarding PFAS exposure seriously.
Of all the government priorities allocated funding in last night’s Budget, PFAS was mentioned once.
The Turnbull Government allocated $12.5 million over four years for a national research program studying the effects of PFAS exposure on human health.
This is not a new funding allocation – this research program is already underway.
If the Turnbull Government is serious about PFAS, it would be a government priority in the Budget.
It would fund voluntary blood test programs in all PFAS affected communities around the 18 Defence sites.
It would fund the mystery PFAS Taskforce.
Instead, there is no detail. There is no strategy. There is no action.
PFAS contamination is a national issue that needs a national solution.
The Turnbull Government is failing communities in its failure to act.