When was the federal government made aware that the firefighting foam used at defence bases across Australia had toxic chemicals in them (including PFOA and PFOS)?
In 2003 Defence became aware that PFOS and PFOA were emerging environmental contaminants.
When was the use of this foam stopped at defence bases in Australia?
From 2004 Defence transitioned to a new more environmentally friendly product called Ansulite for use on the Defence estate.
When did the government let the Oakey community know it was not safe to drink or use local bore water in their homes?
In 2012, perfluorinated compounds were detected in the base pool and some groundwater samples taken from monitoring wells on the base showed some concentrations of PFOS and PFOA.
A community information session was held in December 2012 and the base population was informed as well.
As a precaution, properties near the base were advised not to use bore water for drinking.
What recommendations from the Senate inquiry have been adopted by the government?
Why hasn't the recommendation for the government to 'voluntarily acquire property and land' been adopted?
The Committee tabled its Part B report (Army Aviation Centre Oakey and other Commonwealth, state and territory sites) on 4 May 2016. The Australian Government assumed a Caretaker role on 9 May 2016, in preparation for the 2 July 2016 general election. The Australian Government remained in Caretaker mode until the Ministry was sworn in on 19 July 2016. The Government will now formally respond to this report in due course.
At a Commonwealth level, we are taking a whole-of-Government approach to managing and responding to this issue. An interdepartmental working group was established in December 2014 to address the environmental and potential health impacts of PFAS contamination.
The Government will also bring the issue of PFAS contamination to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) so all governments have a consistent approach to managing potentially contaminated sites.
The Department of the Environment and Energy is working with Defence and other key agencies to develop interim environmental management guidance on the management of PFOS and PFOA contamination at Commonwealth sites.
As announced during the election campaign period the Government will invest $55 million to manage perfluorinated compound (PFAS) contamination at Defence bases. The Government will also fund voluntary blood testing and specialised mental health and counselling services for communities affected by contamination at Defence bases.
The Australian Government will further consider the matter of property acquisition once interim health reference values have been established and detailed environmental investigations are concluded.
The government will ensure that these commitments are implemented as soon as possible.
What is the plan moving forward for the people of Oakey?
Defence is finalising the human health risk assessment and ecological risk assessment for the Oakey environmental investigations. These are due to be finalised in August and September 2016 respectively. The results of both assessments will assist Defence and the Queensland government to determine next steps. Defence will consult with the community at the earliest opportunity once both reports are finalised.
