The Hon Peter Khalil MP
Assistant Minister for Defence

Joint Media Release with:

• The Hon Kate Washington MP
  Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Inclusion
• Mayor Leah Anderson
  Mayor of Port Stephens Council
• Meryl Swanson MP
  Federal Member for Paterson

The Albanese Government, in partnership with the NSW Government and Port Stephens Council, has established the Williamtown Working Group (WWG), the first community-based group to be formed under the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) National Coordinating Body.

As recommended by the Independent PFAS Review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by PFAS contamination, the WWG will bring together representatives from the community, and across government, to support practical, place-based actions to mitigate PFAS contamination.

Following a public expression of interest process, the following community members have been selected to join the WWG, alongside representatives from the Commonwealth, NSW Government, Port Stephens Council and the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council.

• Mr Lindsay Robert Clout
• Mr Justin Scott Hamilton
• Ms Susan Hirsch
• Mr Graeme Boyd
• Ms Meryl Swanson MP
• Ms Kate Washington MP
• Mayor Leah Anderson
• Mr John Maretich

Those selected bring a strong understanding of the local PFAS-related issues that affect the Williamtown area and will provide valuable insights. They each demonstrate a commitment to working constructively with government to identify and implement solutions.

While the WWG will progress local initiatives, including a whole-of-catchment flood action plan, to improve drainage management in areas to the south of RAAF Base Williamtown, the PFAS National Coordinating Body will provide oversight and progress the national approach to combat PFAS contamination.

Through their representatives at both a local and national level, Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil and NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe will continue to work closely to monitor outcomes and advice to progress action.

The WWG will meet for the first time on Thursday, 20 November and, as outlined in the Independent Review, will serve as a pilot to inform further PFAS working groups set to be established in the Northern Territory and Queensland in due course.

Further information on Defence’s work to remediate PFAS contamination in Williamtown and across Australia can be accessed here.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“The establishment of this Working Group is a practical step forward in delivering local solutions for those impacted by PFAS contamination here in Williamtown. I commend the community members who have put themselves forward to contribute to this important work.

“I’d like to thank the NSW Government and Port Stephens Council for getting on board so we can foster a new approach that bring all levels of government together to engage on PFAS related issues in this community.”

Quotes attributable to State Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington:

“I welcome the establishment of the Williamtown Working Group and thank all the local residents who’ve put up their hand to play a part in finding practical solutions.

“On behalf of the Minns Labor Government, I remain willing to work with the Commonwealth Government to get meaningful outcomes for local families who’ve been stuck in this PFAS nightmare for far too long.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of Port Stephens Council, Leah Anderson:

“Port Stephens residents deserve clarity and answers. This collaborative approach will help their voices be heard directly at the decision making table.

“This is an important step towards finding solutions that support landowners and helping to unlock the growth potential in the area.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson:

“For far too long, our community has lived with the uncertainty and frustration caused by the PFAS contamination. Establishing the Williamtown Working Group is a practical step forward and I want to thank everyone who put their hand up to join the group.

“This is about bringing everyone to the table – residents, the Worimi people, all levels of government – to make sure we’re working together on real solutions for Williamtown and the surrounding areas. My office will continue to meet with all those impacted to ensure there is alignment.”