Late last night I received communication from the Minister for Defence’s office to inform me the mediation for the PFAS class action had been successful.

At first, I didn’t believe it. Then I got a phone call from Lindsay and Anne Clout to say “Meryl, we won”.

The Williamtown, Fullerton Cove and Salt Ash communities have consistently shown courage, tenacity and determination throughout this gruelling process.

I am so proud to be the Federal Member for Paterson and to have walked this journey with my community, to have been fighting with them in Canberra, and to have been saying to the Prime Minister: please don’t drag these people through the courts.

The next step is to ensure this matter resolved speedily so my community can move on with their lives like they so deserve to do.

I note the statement by Ministers Reynolds and Chester that this is not the end of engagement with the community.

THURSDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2020