The Australian government has initiated legal proceedings against multinational manufacturer 3M, seeking damages exceeding $2bn (US$1.4bn) over contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas), commonly known as 'forever chemicals,' at defence bases across the country. This marks the largest legal claim ever brought by the federal government.
Allegations of Misconduct
Attorney General Michelle Rowland announced on Thursday that the government alleges 3M and its Australian subsidiary engaged in misconduct, including withholding and misrepresenting information about the effects of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. The company is accused of failing to disclose environmental risks and providing assurances about disposal and safety that contradicted internal knowledge.
'This is a government that is prepared to take on one of the biggest multinational corporations in the world for the betterment of Australian citizens,' Rowland stated. She emphasised that the misconduct has imposed substantial costs on defence and taxpayers, with over $1bn already spent on investigating, remediating, and mitigating Pfas contamination at defence estate sites.
Impact on Defence Bases
Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil reported that 28 defence bases have been affected, necessitating the removal and treatment of more than 200,000 tonnes of contaminated soil. Additionally, over 13 billion litres of water have been used in the multi-year decontamination effort. Defence began phasing out Pfas chemicals in 2004, but the legacy contamination persists.
'These court proceedings are about recovering the significant costs Defence has and will continue to incur while investigating and managing the defence estate and supporting Australians affected by Pfas,' Khalil said.
Health and Environmental Concerns
Pfas chemicals are notoriously persistent in the environment, earning the nickname 'forever chemicals.' They are found in numerous household and industrial products, and exposure has been linked to health risks such as liver damage, lower birth weight, and testicular cancer. In Australia, three key Pfas chemicals were banned last year due to long-standing concerns over environmental contamination and health risks.
3M's Response
A spokesperson for 3M stated that the company has never manufactured Pfas in Australia and ceased sales of Pfas-containing products 'around two decades ago.' They noted that the Department of Defence continued using such foams for nearly two decades longer, as highlighted in a recent legislative committee report. 'We will defend ourselves against these claims through the legal process,' the spokesperson added.
In 2023, 3M agreed to a US$10.3bn settlement in the United States to fund cleanup of public water systems polluted by Pfas. The US Environmental Protection Agency has labelled Pfas an 'urgent public health and environmental issue.'
Broader Implications
Greens spokesperson Peter Whish-Wilson called for stronger action to prevent Australia from becoming a global dumping ground for Pfas products. He criticised the lack of producer responsibility for plastics and packaging containing Pfas, noting that the burden currently falls on the waste and resource recovery sector.
A parliamentary inquiry into forever chemicals last year confirmed ongoing risks nationwide. In 2023, the federal government settled a $133m class action case related to Pfas contamination at seven sites. This article was amended on 28 May 2026 to clarify that only three Pfas chemicals have been banned, not all Pfas products.
