The Albanese Government has begun the process of establishing the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) National Coordinating Body with Assistant Minister of Defence, Peter Khalil set to provide oversight of the Body alongside NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, given the initial focus of operations.
The National Coordination Body will expand to encompass other locations over the next twelve months, with Ministers from other states and territories invited to nominate representatives to join the Body and become involved in its oversight.
As this National approach evolves, both Ministers Khalil and Sharpe will also work closely with representatives from across government to establish the first community-based Working Group aimed at continuing to drive progress on PFAS-related issues near RAAF Base Williamtown.
Representatives from Defence, the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Port Stephens Council and NSW Government will form the first Working Group. Members of the Williamtown community are also invited to join the group, with expressions of interest now open for applications.
These advances at a national and state level mark a significant step toward continuing to address the needs of communities who have been impacted by PFAS contamination, while also improving the management and oversight of PFAS remediation across Australia.
The establishment of a PFAS National Coordinating Body and Williamtown Working Group were key recommendations agreed in the Government response to the Independent Review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by PFAS contamination, released in December 2024.
Defence is also continuing its scope of work to inform the Williamtown Working Group about options for drainage management across the area south of RAAF Base Williamtown. This work will be a practical first step in addressing key community concerns.
The expression of interest process to join the Williamtown Working Group opened earlier this week and is set to close on Friday, 03 October 2025. Community members who wish to join can complete an application form here.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:
"Communities affected by PFAS contamination need action. That's why we're getting on with setting up the National Coordinating Body and the first Working Group in Williamtown to get things moving.
"The Independent Review made it clear that a Working Group model is the most effective way to address community concerns and deliver meaningful reform to better support those impacted.
"The National Coordinating Body will support the Williamtown Working Group ensure all levels of government work together to directly address the many concerns raised by locals.
"As representatives from other states and territories join the National Body, I look forward to working with their corresponding Ministers to ensure people living in PFAS impacted areas are provided with the support they need."
