Australia sets up national organization to address PFAS pollution

The Australian government has established a national coordinating body to tackle PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) contamination after a review highlighted the need for stronger action.

This body will supervise the management of PFAS pollution at key sites nationwide, including Williamtown Air Force Base in New South Wales, Army Aviation Centre Oakey in Queensland, and Tindal Air Force Base in the Northern Territory.

These areas have been heavily contaminated by toxic firefighting foam, impacting nearby landowners and raising concerns about environmental and public health.

Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh stressed the importance of a consistent national approach to addressing this issue.

“PFAS has contaminated the land on defence bases and in the surrounding areas due to its use,” he stated.

A working group in Williamtown will also offer guidance on mitigating the risks associated with PFAS exposure.

National Body and Inquiry for Addressing PFAS Risks

The national coordinating body is one of the 18 recommendations from the review accepted by the federal government.

Keogh mentioned that the body will also assist affected communities with information on efforts to combat contamination.

“It’s crucial to have a coordinated national approach involving all relevant departments and ensuring the dissemination of rapidly evolving scientific knowledge to keep communities informed,” he explained.

In addition to the national coordinating body, the Senate has established a Select Committee to investigate the extent and regulation of PFAS exposure.

The Committee is expected to deliver its final report by August 2025, focusing on the environmental, health, and economic impacts of PFAS contamination and proposing regulatory enhancements.

Submissions for the inquiry close on December 19, 2024, with public hearings scheduled for early 2025.

Health Risks and Ongoing Investigations

The government’s efforts to address PFAS contamination are supported by research.

In 2017, a health panel of experts linked PFAS exposure to health issues such as liver and thyroid complications.

To assess public health risks, the Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) has released guidelines on reducing PFAS exposure, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

As part of this response, mental health services for residents near known PFAS contamination areas have been funded by the government.

Australia began phasing out PFAS-containing firefighting foams in 2004, but past use has led to substantial contamination at defence bases and airports.

In 2020, the Defence Department paid $212.5 million to landholders near three defence bases as part of a class action settlement.

AAP has contributed to this article.