Lee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Xenophon, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that on 14 June 2016, the Turnbull Government announced a $55 million package paid for from the existing Department of Defence budget, for:

  (i) containment and remediation of perfluorinated compound (PFC) contamination around the country,

  (ii) an epidemiological study to examine the effects of PFC contamination in communities around the country,

  (iii) a voluntary blood testing program,

  (iv) specialised mental health and counselling services, and

  (v) the appointment of a dedicated Community Liaison Office;

(b) calls on the Government to report on the progress of each item under the $55 million package; and

(c) calls on the Government to pay for residents living in Williamtown, Fullerton Cove and Salt Ash under similar contamination conditions to those inside the Red Zone to be connected to town water.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Our efforts to come to a minor agreed amendment on this motion were unsuccessful. We are committed to the long-term management and remediation of contaminated sites. The government is engaging with a major university to conduct a study of the affected sites. The government is finalising blood testing arrangements, with the aim of implementation in the next month. In the interim, Defence is reimbursing individuals who seek private testing. Community liaison officers have commenced at both Williamtown and Oakey and will link residents to dedicated mental health and counselling support services in these communities. The government is funding connection of properties at Williamtown to town water and is considering connecting a number of other properties outside the investigation area.

Question agreed to.