The Australian Government has launched Federal Court proceedings against 3M Australia Pty Ltd and its US parent company, 3M Company, over widespread PFAS contamination linked to aqueous film-forming foam used at defence sites.
The Commonwealth is seeking damages exceeding $2bn to recover costs associated with investigating, containing and remediating contamination at 28 defence bases nationwide.
The case centres on allegations that 3M failed to fully disclose environmental risks associated with aqueous film-forming foam, commonly known as AFFF, despite allegedly having knowledge of the long-term contamination risks posed by PFAS chemicals.
The Commonwealth also claims the company provided assurances about the product’s environmental safety and disposal methods that were inconsistent with internal knowledge available at the time.
The legal action represents one of the Australian Government’s largest environmental recovery claims tied to PFAS contamination.
The Department of Defence has already spent more than $1.3bn managing the fallout from the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam and says substantial future costs are expected as remediation work continues across affected communities.
Speaking on the lawsuit, Australia’s Attorney-General, Michelle Rowland, said: “The government is committed to holding 3M to account for the economic and environmental harms associated with PFAS contamination.
“The Commonwealth has commenced this legal action to pursue appropriate accountability through the Federal Court and to seek recovery of costs borne by the Commonwealth in responding to PFAS contamination at defence bases.
“This is about ensuring these issues are addressed through proper legal processes.”
PFAS contamination under legal scrutiny
PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals previously used in firefighting products because of their resistance to heat, oil and water.
Aqueous film-forming foam was widely deployed for decades at military bases, airports and industrial sites before growing evidence linked PFAS exposure to environmental and health concerns.
According to the Commonwealth’s filing, 3M allegedly withheld key information regarding the environmental persistence and contamination risks associated with its firefighting foam products.
The government argues taxpayers have carried significant financial burdens as a result of the contamination response, including environmental assessments, groundwater monitoring, containment programs and ongoing remediation efforts.
Defence bases and community impact
Communities located near Defence sites affected by PFAS contamination have faced years of uncertainty over water quality, land use and environmental safety.
The Department of Defence says it will continue working with state and local authorities while maintaining existing PFAS management and remediation programs.
The lawsuit signals a broader push for corporate accountability over legacy contamination linked to aqueous film-forming foam products.
The outcome could have major implications for future environmental liability cases involving PFAS contamination in Australia and internationally.