Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

As is the case in a number of investigation areas, I can advise the Senate that bottled water continues to be supplied to Senator Georgiou's constituent as a precautionary measure until the completion of the investigation, when the extent of the contamination will be known. I do note, for the record, that the current Department of Health advice—the Department of Defence is not a health authority; we work in conjunction with the Department of Health on these matters—is that there is no consistent evidence that PFAS causes any specific illness, including, as the senator has adverted to, cancer. For further information on the Department of Health's response to PFAS contamination, I would direct the senator to the Minister for Health.

In the letter there are two possible solutions for drinking water mentioned at the property. While I do note that request, such solutions are usually only provided to properties that have a bore sample that exceeds the health-based guidance values recommended by FSANZ. There is a human health risk assessment currently underway, which will consider drinking water in the whole of the Bullsbrook community. (Time expired)