The largest class action in Australia has been announced, with
40,000 people suing the Australian Government for Per- and
poly-fluroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.
Shine Lawyers, representing the clients, has enlisted the
support of American activist, Erin Brockovich. Eight locations in
particular are the subject of the class action. Namely: Darwin, NT;
Wagga Wagga, NSW; Richmond, NSW; two sites in Townsville, QLD;
Bullsbrook, WA; Edinburgh, SA; and Wodonga, VIC1. These
relate to the sites of several Defence sites with historical use of
firefighting foams.
What is PFAS? What are the risks?
PFAS is a group of polymers which are used in products which
resist heat, oil, stains and water2, commonly used in
non-stick pans and firefighting foam, as well as other everyday
products3. These chemicals do not break down, and can
accumulate in the human body and other animals.
