The latest committee report to Federal Parliament on PFAS contamination makes the same recommendation as others have done over the years - compensate people for financial losses.
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No-one expects the Government will act on this recommendation either.
Most people count it as a win the Government did not appeal the class action decisions in the Federal Copurt from earlier this year which should provide some compensation for people in Katherine, Northern Territory; Oakey, Queensland, and Williamtown, NSW, by the end of the year.
"The committee recommends that the Government prioritise assisting property owners and businesses in affected areas through compensation for financial losses associated with contamination emanating from Defence bases, including the possibility of buy-backs."
This was a key recommendation in the second progress review of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
It is the second parliamentary committee to look into PFAS contamination.
NT Senators Sam McMahon and Malarndirri McCarthy are both members of this committee.
The report does say a lot of more people know about PFAS now then they did a year or two ago.
There is the contaminated West Gate soil in Melbourne trying to find a home, also a broadening of the class actions after the victory against Defence.
The report says the Government, and Defence, are poor communicators with local communities when it comes to PFAS and needs to do better.
There needs to be "more frank advice and support for affected communities", the committee says, including a review of the current health advice.
The committee has asked for a review of the "minimise exposure as a precaution" advice before as well.
The committee was concerned not enough progress was being made on issues raised before the first committee.
"There were also concerns that the risks of PFAS contamination were not being communicated to local governments, with continued use of PFAS contaminated bore water in Katherine town parks a case in point."
Again the committee says.
"The committee recommends that the Government should fund research to better understand the mental health impacts of living with PFAS contamination and related human made disasters to better inform Government services and supports," the report says.
The committee met again this week as the inquiry continues.
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.
