[Greens-Media] FW: Williamtown in crisis, Turnbull government offers peanuts

[Newman, Freya (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

To NSW, select

From: Newman, Freya (Sen L. Rhiannon)
Sent: Friday, 6 May 2016 11:05 AM
To: Rhiannon, Lee (Senator)
Subject: Williamtown in crisis, Turnbull government offers peanuts

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MEDIA RELEASE
6 May 2016
Williamtown in crisis, Turnbull government offers peanuts
State Liberal MP Niall Blair has admitted in parliament that there is tension between the Baird and Turnbull governments over the federal government's response to the contamination crisis at Williamtown and other sites, Greens NSW Senator said today.
'Clearly there is enormous tension between the state and federal Liberal-National governments on this matter.
'Premier Baird's own ministers are confirming in parliament that the Turnbull government's response is woeful and 'by no means enough'. They have explained to the NSW parliament that they have had to ask their federal colleagues to offer struggling workers and families some decent support.
'Paterson MP Bob Baldwin has admitted the budget provisions are 'not enough'.
'The fishers at Williamtown need decent income support to rebuild their lives and their businesses after the contamination crisis, and the Turnbull government have given them peanuts.
'The AMWU have confirmed that many workers at the Williamtown base, including Defence staff and contractors, have sought blood tests in the wake of the crisis.
'Not only have they not received them, but Defence have actively discouraged workers from getting blood tests done.
'The AMWU have called for blood tests to be offered to as many current and former staff as possible and the Greens support those calls.

Media contact: Freya Newman 0411 669 022
The Greens made additional comments for Part B of the Senate inquiry into contamination at firefighting foam contamination at Defence sites. The report is available here: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/ADF_facilities/Report_part_B