The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to establish a Working Group in Oakey to address issues relating to PFAS contamination from Swartz Barracks.
The Oakey Working Group will bring together government representatives, industry groups, local First Nations groups and members of the local community, of whom are invited to join the group via an expressions of interest process which is now open for applications.
For many local landholders and primary producers, PFAS remains a significant concern, particularly the potential impacts on their produce, their ability to consume that produce at home and their businesses access to the domestic and international markets.
While Defence has connected eligible residents to town water or tank water and completed important remediation work at key contamination areas on base, there is more work to do in the local community. The Working Group will provide a direct pathway for these concerns to be discussed openly, with local community representatives helping to shape priorities and identify practical solutions.
Initially recommended by the independent review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by PFAS contamination, the establishment of community-based working groups was also recommended in the final report handed down by the Senate Select Committee on PFAS regarding their inquiry into the Extent, Regulation and Management of PFAS.
While the Working Group will offer advice and insights on local initiatives, the PFAS National Coordinating Body will continue to provide oversight and progress the national approach to combat PFAS contamination.
The expression of interest process for community members to join the Working Group opens today and is set to close on Friday, 13 November 2026. Community members are encouraged to apply to join by completing an application form here.
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:
"People in this community want action and a seat at the table when decisions are being made about the Federal Government's response to PFAS contamination and the subsequent remediation pathway.
"The Oakey Working Group will learn from the success and challenges in Williamtown to provide a real opportunity for local voices to speak directly to Defence about PFAS-related issues.
"This community-based working group will ensure we bring the community with us in our effort to respond to PFAS contamination in Oakey and the surrounding region."
Quotes attributable to Senator for Queensland, Corinne Mulholland:
"I welcome the establishment of the Oakey Working Group and encourage local residents, businesses and landowners to put their hand up to join the group and ensure the voices and experiences of this community can help shape the government's response.
"Queensland was the first Australian jurisdiction to ban the future use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams, but we know there is more to do to address community concerns and questions about PFAS.
"The Working Group will ensure the Government can actively engage with residents, listen and address their concerns, and work together on the issues that matter to locals."
