Defence must stop secrecy

THE secrecy surrounding the contamination of two underground bores at the Cairns navy base is disgraceful.

For four months the Australian Defence Force has kept under wraps the results of tests revealing perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the bores.

The chemicals have been linked to a widespread contamination scandal at Defence bases and civilian airports around Australia.

Human exposure to the toxins has been linked to pregnancy developmental issues, testicular and kidney cancers as well as thyroid, liver tissue and immune system damage.

But Defence has chosen not to tell the 900 personnel, nor the wider community ... until now.

Furthermore, it is not known whether the contaminants have leaked into nearby Trinity Inlet, posing a threat to marine life and even the Great Barrier Reef.

Defence took nearly two weeks to respond to questions from the Cairns

Post about whether HMAS Cairns had been tested for contamination.

They had a duty and responsibility to inform their personnel, whose health could be at risk.

Defence needs to take urgent action to protect the health of the naval staff, prevent any leaks and clean up the contaminants.

A full inquiry should be ordered immediately.

Defence have failed their personnel and the community.

Instead of being up front and honest, its smacks of a cover-up.

The minister needs to come down hard on those involved in keeping the matter secret.