The Federal Parliament has agreed to hold a national inquiry into per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, also known as PFAS.

The Inquiry will examine the sources of PFAS, the potential health and environmental impacts of PFAS and the role of regulation.

There are more than 14,000 different types of PFAS and they are found in an array of household products and firefighting foams. Recently the presence of PFAS in Sydney’s drinking water has been reported.

The Inquiry will be chaired by Victorian Senator, Lidia Thorpe. The committee is expected to consist of five senators, including two from the government and opposition and a member of the Greens.

This is now the fifth inquiry into PFAS.

Why is this getting attention again now?

In April 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) introduced a new national legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS – with the final Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) being changed to zero. The US has also committed to phase out all non-essential uses of PFAS within ten years.

These developments have renewed the focus on the adequacy of Australia’s regulatory framework, in the context of the preparation of the updated National Environmental Management Plan on PFAS, expected to be finalised this year.

What is the Inquiry expected to examine?

The Inquiry is expected to examine:

• the sources of PFAS, including household sources.
• the adequacy of Australia’s drinking water guidelines, noting the differences to the US requirements.
• the challenges for conducting research into PFAS, including the influence of the chemicals industry.
• options for regulation, including the phase out and clean-up.
• the economic, social, health and environmental impacts of PFAS.
• fair and appropriate compensation schemes for those affected by PFAS.

The Inquiry will report its findings by August 2025.

Maddocks is currently advising across seven major cases involving PFAS contaminated properties, with the claim value exceeding $1 billion.