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1h ago

Australia Files AU$2 Billion Lawsuit Against 3M Over PFAS Contamination

The government seeks recovery of past, future, cultural, environmental remediation costs from PFAS at 28 defence sites to test multinational liability for 'forever chemicals'.

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The 3M chemical manufacturer's building is seen in a suburb of Sydney, Thursday, May 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
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Overview

  • The Commonwealth lodged a Federal Court claim on Thursday, May 28, 2026, seeking more than AU$2 billion to recoup costs tied to PFAS contamination at 28 Defence sites.
  • The government alleges 3M withheld internal testing and gave misleading assurances about the environmental safety and disposal of its aqueous film‑forming foam.
  • 3M said it will vigorously defend the case, noting it never manufactured PFAS in Australia and stopped selling the products at issue in the Australian market about two decades ago.
  • Defence has already spent more than AU$1.3 billion, removed or treated roughly 200,000 tonnes of contaminated soil and treated about 13 billion litres of water while supplying alternative water to affected properties.
  • The suit is the largest legal claim ever brought by the Commonwealth and could determine who pays for long‑term cleanup, shape corporate accountability for 'forever chemicals', and influence support for affected communities.