In the wake of this week's revelations in the Four Corners report, the Turnbull Government had a real opportunity to show leadership and provide answers for the residents of Katherine.

It didnt.

Instead Katherine residents listening to ABC Radio heard they will have to wait until the epidemiological study is completed before receiving blood tests from the Turnbull Government.

Speaking to the ABCs Kate OToole the Minister Assisting the Prime Ministersaid:

Once these preliminary investigations have been done, the reports will then go to the Department of Health who will decide whether blood testing is required.

Senator James McGrath, 11 October 2017

The Assistant Minister claims Katherine residentsare not being left out,but the lack of action from the Turnbull Government suggests otherwise.

Residents in Katherine are being forced to play the waiting game because the Turnbull Government failed to adopt Labors PFAS response in its entirety, which included:

• Clear, coordinated communication with affected communities.
• Anationally consistent approach to the management of PFAS contamination around the country.
• Blood tests for communities affected by PFAS contamination around Defence sites.

Leaving the Katherine community in limbo until Defence completes its epidemiological study early next year is unacceptable.

Katherine residents are rightly asking for access to the same services provided to Williamtown and Oakey residents.

If the situation in Katherine is at the point where a water treatment plant had to be rushed in and a local swimming pool closed, its time for the Turnbull Government to implement blood tests.

Its time the Turnbull Government stood up and showed some real leadership.

Labor again calls on the Turnbull Government to provide blood tests to the people of Katherine.