Because of military bases

Australia.. "Consensual" settlement to end class action lawsuit over soil pollution

Anthony Albanese: People in a whole range of communities have suffered from the use of these substances. Archival

The Australian government yesterday agreed to a consensual settlement to end a class action lawsuit brought after the alleged use at many military bases of toxic chemicals that contaminated soil and groundwater.

The class action sought a total of A$132.7 million (US$88.7 million) in compensation for some 30,<> people after the alleged use of substances known as fluorescent surfactants (PFAS), permanent pollutants found in firefighting foam that polluted the environment around military sites, reducing the value of nearby properties.

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) form a family of synthetic organofluorine compounds (more than 4700,<> molecules), developed since the forties of the last century, and have non-stick and water-resistant properties, and are widely used in daily life, including Teflon stoves, food packaging, textiles, and cars.

Researchers have identified possible links between PFAS and serious health problems, including changes in metabolism, fertility consequences and an increased risk of cancer, according to the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

The chemicals have been widely used in Australia since the seventies, but have since been phased out, according to the Australian government.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Adelaide (south) that "people in a whole range of communities have suffered from the use" of these substances.

"My biggest concern about PFAS is, of course, not financial, it's related to the health consequences for people who are affected" by these compounds, he added. The Legal Confidentiality Convention does not contain any acknowledgement of liability on the part of Canberra.

The agreement has yet to be approved by a judge of the Australian Federal Court. Lawyers involved in the class action action considered the outcome positive.

Craig Alsop of the law firm Shine Loyers said the settlement funds, if approved, would partially offset the losses incurred by the seven communities in this class action.