Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Patrick for his question. As I informed the chamber only a couple of weeks ago, the government welcomed the report of the parliamentary inquiry into the management of PFAS contamination in and around defence bases as we welcome any opportunity to identify potential improvements to the way the government continues to respond to this complex issue.

PFAS contamination is indeed a complex issue, requiring an effective, evidence based and nationally consistent response. Agencies of government have been working cooperatively and in close consultation with communities and other stakeholders as we seek to do. A whole-of-government response to the Senate report is being finalised and will be tabled as soon as possible. Our intent is to have this finalised before the end of this year.