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Australian Government sues 3M for $2 billion over PFAS contamination at 28 defence bases
The Australian Government has launched the largest legal claim in Commonwealth history, suing 3M Australia for $2 billion in damages over PFAS contamination from firefighting foam at 28 defence bases. The government alleges 3M misrepresented the effects and risks of the product.
The Australian Government has launched the most significant legal action in Commonwealth history, filing a $2 billion lawsuit against 3M Australia over PFAS contamination caused by the company's firefighting foam at 28 defence bases across the country. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland confirmed the legal action in the Federal Court, as reported by ABC News Australia, alleging that 3M misrepresented the effects of its product and failed to fully disclose what it knew about the environmental risks.
PFAS, often referred to as forever chemicals because they do not break down naturally in the environment, have been widely used globally since the 1950s in firefighting foams and various industrial applications. Legacy firefighting foams containing PFAS were used at Australian defence sites due to their effectiveness in combating liquid fuel fires. The contamination has had significant environmental, economic and cultural impacts on surrounding communities.
Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil revealed that the Commonwealth has already spent $1.3 billion in taxpayer money supporting communities affected by PFAS contamination. This includes approximately $408 million in legal settlements, the treatment and removal of more than 200,000 tonnes of contaminated soil, and the operation of seven water treatment plants that have processed more than 13 billion litres of water since the contamination was identified.
The $2 billion claim seeks to recover both the substantial costs already incurred and future costs expected to arise from the contamination. Khalil emphasised that the government is prepared to take on powerful corporations when Australian communities have been impacted, stating that the action demonstrates the government's commitment to holding big companies accountable. A total of 785 properties have received various forms of water assistance as a result of the contamination.
The lawsuit is focused specifically on environmental, economic and cultural impacts rather than personal injury or health claims. While some community members have expressed frustration that health consequences are not included in the claim, the government has maintained that it follows the public health advice from the Environmental Health Standing Committee and the Australian Centre for Disease Control, which states there is currently limited evidence of direct health impacts from PFAS exposure. The case is expected to be a landmark in Australian environmental law.