A parliamentary inquiry into the government's handling of PFAS contamination will review the financial impacts contamination has had on people affected by the substances.
The Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will inquire into the extent of PFAS contamination in and around defence bases across the country and will examine the response of government agencies.
Labor ordered the inquiry in December last year and following a referral from the Senate, the inquiry will be conducted by the PFAS Sub-Comittee.
Following a recommendation from Paterson MP Meryl Swanson, the terms of reference for the inquiry also include a review of the consideration given to understanding and assessing the financial impacts of PFAS contamination.
Meryl Swanson is now encouraging locals to make submissions to the inquiry, emphasising the opportunity to bring the inquiry to Williamtown and have local stories heard.
"Even if it is a handwritten, one or two sentence letter, please submit to the inquiry," said Meryl Swanson.
"It is absolutely vital that we get as many submissions as we can to this inquiry, in the hope that we may be able to have a hearing in Williamtown."
The inquiry is open for submissions until July 6th and information on how to lodge a submission can be found here.
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| A federal parliamentary inquiry into PFAS contamination management has begun. Image: ABC |
Meanwhile,
The EPA has released precautionary advice for those residents living near the Hunter Valley's Stony, Fishery and Wallis creeks.
It comes after PFAS chemicals were discovered in the water following heavy rainfall early this year.
Those near Stony Creek should avoid eating eggs and refrain from drinking milk, while residents near Fishery Creek are advised not to eat home-slaughtered livestock.
Current government health findings conclude there is no evidence to suggest exposure to PFAS leads to an increase in overall health risk, however it hasn't been ruled out.
