The Federal Government has safely negotiated its current term in office avoiding calls to compensate landowners like those here in Katherine who have seen their properties plummet in value from PFAS contamination fears.

Despite another Senate inquiry into PFAS which in December brought up compensation again, the Government has stayed mute.

The question is with the ALP widely tipped to soon takeover from the Coalition, would they do any different?

The Coalition Government has refused to provide compensation knowing with so many sites contaminated around the country it would open a can of worms it may never be able to close.

The general government line often is that because so many communities had launched class actions on the very subject of lost property values, they had to wait for the court verdicts, which they know could take years.

The ALP has been quite vocal over the past few years on the Coalition's inaction on compensation and with an election beckoning, the Katherine Times asked what its response would be.

Our local Federal MHR, Warren Snowdon, provided the following response.

"I remain concerned at the impact of the PFAS contamination on the Katherine community and acknowledge the desire by many for redress.

"While I accept that much has been done to make sure Katherine has a safe and secure water supply into the future I do recognise the particular hurt that has been suffered by some.

"I am aware of the Class action case that some residents and businesses from Katherine have joined with others from Williamtown and Oakey and that it is listed for hearing in August.

"I am watching the case with interest as it will presumably grapple with the complex questions around compensation.

"I am also been aware that people seeking compensation directly through the Department of Defence and evidence of the Department reaching an agreement with the complainant, Mr Johnson in Oakey.

"For my part I want to see a fair and pragmatic resolution to the issues involved. We may be fortunate to form the Government after May and if so will have oversight and responsibility for the Commonwealth's case. If this is the case we will be model litigants and seek to deal expeditiously and fairly with the plaintiffs."

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