Local Member of Federal Parliament Madeleine King has today called on the Federal Government to put defence personnel and their families first following this week’s report into legacy firefighting foam contamination on Garden Island.

Speaking in the Parliament, Ms King criticised the Government’s handling of this issue which is causing anxiety and uncertainty in the community.

“The Government’s code of silence on this contamination issue is unacceptable, utterly disrespectful and shows a total disregard for those committed people who serve this nation from HMAS Stirling,” Ms King said.

“It is unacceptable for the Government to keep them and their families in the dark about potential contamination.”

Ms King said the Government was also silent on when necessary further investigations would begin.

“We know further testing is needed on Garden Island and the Government needs to ensure that it starts as soon as possible, Ms King said.

“At the moment the Government will not commit to when this testing will begin or how it will keep the community informed about what is happening.

“This is not good enough.”