Katherine residents still have to wait until the full investigation into the spread of chemical contamination is completed before receiving blood tests from the Federal Government.
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Three federal Labor MPs – Gair Brodtmann, Warren Snowdon and Malarrndirri McCarthy – said residents in Katherine are being forced to play the waiting game.
They said the Federal Government failed to adopt Labor’s PFAS response in its entirety, which included:
- Clear, coordinated communication with affected communities.
- A nationally consistent approach to the management of PFAS contamination around the country.
- Blood tests for communities affected by PFAS contamination around Defence sites.
They said it left the Katherine community in limbo until Defence completes its epidemiological study early next year which they said was unacceptable.
“Katherine residents are rightly asking for access to the same services provided to Williamtown and Oakey residents,” the three Labor MPs said.
“If the situation in Katherine is at the point where a water treatment plant had to be rushed in and a local swimming pool closed, it’s time for the Turnbull Government to implement blood tests.
“It’s time the Turnbull Government stood up and showed some real leadership.
“Labor again calls on the Turnbull Government to provide blood tests to the people of Katherine.”
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
