MEMBER for Paterson Meryl Swanson renewed her invitation for the Prime Minister to come to Williamtown after meeting with his taskforce on PFAS contamination today.

And she renewed her call for urgent action for the community that had “been through the wringer”, with high levels of chemicals in their blood and properties devalued at least 15%.

“I made sure the taskforce knows exactly what it is like for our community here in Williamtown, who are angry and frustrated at having to wait so long for answers, and fearful for their health and their families and their future,” Ms Swanson said.

“I was assured by his senior advisors that the Prime Minister sees this as a priority and that the taskforce has been asked to report back to the government as quickly as possible.”

Ms Swanson asked for a briefing from the taskforce when she learned that the issue of PFAS contamination had been taken into the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet on 29 November.

While there were no timetables given for action, Ms Swanson said the taskforce had been asked to report back to the Prime Minister as a matter of urgency.

“They have been asked to come back to the government with a report on how the announced measures are progressing, and to give consideration to options that will help communities,” Ms Swanson said.

“They impressed on me they had to balance the speed of their response with knowledge of the science and evidence around PFAS contamination.

“I impressed upon them how our community had been through the wringer and was sick and tired of waiting.”

Through the taskforce, Ms Swanson invited the Prime Minister to come to Williamtown to hear people’s stories and offer them solutions.

“I know how much it meant to everyone when Bill Shorten came, so I have suggested Malcolm Turnbull do the same.”