The Australian government has launched legal action against multinational manufacturer 3M over Pfas chemical contamination at defence bases, seeking damages exceeding $2bn (US$1.4bn). Attorney General Michelle Rowland announced the lawsuit on Thursday, describing it as the largest legal claim ever brought by the federal government.
The case centres on the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as 'forever chemicals', in firefighting foam. Rowland stated that the chemicals caused significant environmental and economic harm. Three key Pfas chemicals were banned in Australia last year due to concerns about contamination and health risks, which include liver damage, lower birth weight and testicular cancer.
The government alleges that 3M and its subsidiary, 3M Australia, withheld and misrepresented information about the effects of the foam, failed to disclose environmental risks, and gave assurances about disposal and safety that contradicted what the company knew. Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil noted that 28 defence bases have been affected, requiring removal and treatment of over 200,000 tonnes of contaminated soil and use of more than 13 billion litres of water in decontamination efforts.
3M has stated it never manufactured Pfas in Australia and stopped sales of the products around two decades ago, but the Department of Defence continued using them for nearly 20 years longer. The company said it would defend itself through the legal process. In 2023, 3M agreed to a US$10.3bn settlement in the US to clean up public water systems polluted with Pfas.
Greens spokesperson Peter Whish-Wilson called for action to prevent Australia becoming a global dumping ground for Pfas products, criticising the lack of producer responsibility. A parliamentary inquiry last year found ongoing Pfas risks, and the federal government settled a $133m class action over Pfas at seven sites in 2023.
