The state and federal governments must offer assistance to residents and workers impacted by the growing number of sites in Victoria affected by elevated levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS), say the Greens.

“In the wake of revelations that at least 16 Victorian sites may be affected by PFAS contamination, the Australian government must immediately ratify the United Nations’ Stockholm Convention agreement to ban PFOS chemicals,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens senator for Victoria.

The Greens bill to remove the GST from sanitary products has passed the Senate with the support of members of the crossbench and Labor.

“I’m so pleased that my private senator’s bill to axe the tampon tax has passed the Senate,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens spokesperson for women.

“This is a huge step closer to axing this unfair tax on sanitary products.”

“The pressure is now well and truly on the Prime Minister to show some leadership and support the Greens bill to axe the tampon tax, and pass it through the House of Representatives.”

The Greens are calling on the Turnbull government to show some leadership and let Australia join the electric vehicle revolution, with a leaked government report and another expert report out today recommending the way forward on electric vehicle policy.