Victoria
US giant 3M to fight Commonwealth PFAS lawsuit
US chemical giant 3M is preparing to defend against the Australian government's multi-billion dollar lawsuit over toxic PFAS contamination.
The US chemical conglomerate 3M is preparing to vigorously defend itself against a multi-billion dollar lawsuit launched by the Australian Commonwealth. The legal battle centres on the contamination caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS.
According to reporting by the wire, the federal government is seeking damages of approximately $2 billion. 3M has laid out its defence strategy to counter the Commonwealth's claims, which include allegations of public nuisance as well as misleading and deceptive conduct.
The Commonwealth's case focuses on the long-term environmental and health impacts of PFAS, chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. These substances, often referred to as forever chemicals, were widely used in firefighting foams and various consumer products for decades. The Australian government alleges that 3M's actions constituted a public nuisance and that the multinational company engaged in misleading behaviour regarding the safety and persistence of these substances.
In response, the US chemical manufacturer has signalled that it will contest these assertions. While the company has previously settled similar high-profile PFAS cases internationally, it appears determined to fight the Australian government's allegations in court. Specific details regarding the exact Australian sites of contamination cited in the lawsuit, and the precise schedule for the upcoming court proceedings, have not yet been fully confirmed.
Observers will be watching to see how the Federal Court schedules the upcoming preliminary hearings and whether the parties attempt to negotiate a settlement before a full trial begins.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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