Login
Shine files class action against government department
Shine Lawyers has revealed it has filed a class action against the Department of Defence on behalf of residents living in Katherine, Northern Territory.
Emma Musgrave
The plaintiff firm has launched the class action against Defence in a bid to hold the government to account for the widespread PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) contamination of Katherine, which is said to be caused by the Defence’s base set-up in the town.
“[The] action has been launched for the town of Katherine which has been devastated by the ongoing exposure to the toxic PFAS chemicals emanating from the Department of Defence base,” Shine national special counsel, class actions, Joshua Aylward said.
“Our research has revealed that PFAS chemicals have been spreading from RAAF Base Tindal for decades, and continues to do so. The toxic chemicals amass and persist in the environment and in the human body, and the levels seen in Katherine are exceedingly high and widespread.
“Exposure to these toxic chemicals have been linked to immune dysfunction, hormonal interference, thyroid disruption and certain types of cancer. Many people in the community are trying to move their family out of this toxic area, but are stuck, unable to sell their property.”
Mr Aylward said for Shine, and the people of Katherine affected by PFAS, this action is about accountability and justice.
“We will vigorously prosecute this case to hold Defence accountable, and seek compensation for residents who have been exposed to this toxic chemical,” he added.
Emma Musgrave
Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.
She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University.
Email Emma on:
