An inquiry into the extent, regulation and management of PFAS. PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used since the 1950s to make a range of industrial and consumer products that resist heat, stains, grease and water.

This interim report provides a brief overview of PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in Australia with a focus on the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community in the Jervis Bay Territory, NSW. The committee was able to see firsthand some of the profound impacts that living in a community affected by PFAS can have and a case study of remediation at Wreck Bay is included in the report.

The report also considers PFAS in Australian drinking water and describes active PFAS remediation programs currently directed by the Commonwealth. The social and cultural impacts of PFAS contamination is considered, particularly for First Nations communities. The report provides three recommendations.

Recommendations

1. The Senate reappoints the Select Committee on PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the 48th Parliament, granting access to the evidence and documents collected during the 47th Parliament.
2. The Department of Defence and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts work with the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council, and other relevant stakeholders, to improve signage, messaging and information provided to the community.
3. Parliament considers referring an inquiry to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories which examines governance, representation, and service provision in the Jervis Bay Territory (including the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community settlement).