The Commonwealth has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over PFAS contamination caused by firefighting foam at seven military sites across the country. 

The Commonwealth will pay out a total of $132.7 million to approximately 30,000 claimants who were allegedly exposed to toxic chemicals in the foam, which then leaked into groundwater and contaminated their land. 

The sites affected by the lawsuit include Wagga Wagga and Richmond in New South Wales, Wodonga in Victoria, Darwin in the Northern Territory, Townsville in Queensland, Edinburgh in South Australia, and Bullsbrook in Western Australia.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of 4,700 chemicals that do not break down and can accumulate in soil, water, and human bodies. 

In a court settlement, Justice Michael Lee expressed his relief that the parties had reached an agreement and congratulated those involved. 

The compensation is for lost property values, leaving many community members stranded on contaminated land. 

While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that the compensation was necessary, he emphasised that the primary concern was the health of those affected by the contamination. 

He says that getting occupational health and safety right from the outset could help prevent future incidents like this one.

The settlement has been described as a positive outcome by Craig Allsopp of Shine Lawyers, who represented the claimants. 

Allsopp welcomed the settlement, noting that it was better to avoid the extra costs and risks associated with complex litigation through the court. 

The money, if approved, would provide some compensation to the affected communities for their losses, though many continue to live on contaminated land. Payments will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The settlement was made without admission of liability, meaning the Commonwealth did not acknowledge wrongdoing. 

In 2020, the Commonwealth paid $212 million to residents of Oakey, Katharine, and Williamtown who were affected by the contamination. 

A separate class action involving an eighth site, Wreck Bay in New South Wales, has been adjourned until 29 May.