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The 27th Australian Total Diet Study looked at the levels of PFAS in the general Australian food supply. The results show that Australian consumers' exposure to PFAS through food is very low and poses no food safety concerns. The study found there is no current need for additional risk management measures (like maximum levels) in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

The APCO PFAS Report was supported with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. It was led by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and consisted of two phases of testing conducted by Planet Ark, using the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and Envirolab. It focused on fibre-based, food-contact packaging, due to the common use of PFAS internationally in this type of packaging as a barrier to heat, grease and water.

The National PFAS Position Statement, agreed to by all Australian governments, establishes that industry participants should inform themselves about the presence of PFAS in their products, and phase them out where possible.

A national roadmap to deliver Australia’s new Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) is now available. The roadmap sets out key steps, roles and responsibilities in the transition to IChEMS. All Australian jurisdictions are working to adopt and implement IChEMS into their own regulatory frameworks from late 2022.

The Australian Government response to Second Progress report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade PFAS Sub-committee’s Inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases has been published.

The Heads of EPAs of Australia and New Zealand (HEPA) have released the draft per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP) version 3.0 for public consultation. This version 3.0 contains important new guidance and standards, which builds on version 2.0 published in 2020.

You can now have your say on this plan.

The Action Plan outlines a national, voluntary and industry-led approach to phasing out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fibre-based food contact packaging by 31 December 2023, with consideration for stock run-out.

Find out about PFAS, their use, and their presence in the environment.

Australian Government activities to manage PFAS contamination, including research into health effects and clean-up technologies.

How the Australian Government works with governments of other countries to ensure PFAS is managed according to international best practice.

Links to information for a range of interested audiences.

Six Australian research institutions will undertake targeted research to increase our understanding of any potential human health effects resulting from exposure to PFAS.

The Intergovernmental Agreement supports consistent and coordinated responses to PFAS contamination to protect the environment and, as a precaution, protect human health. It has been revised and signed by Australia’s environment ministers following a review conducted after one year of its operation.

The National PFAS Position Statement articulates the shared view of Australian governments that PFAS use in Australia should be reduced where practicable, to limit further PFAS releases into the environment and reduce indirect human exposure to these chemicals. The Australian Government will lead consultation with industry stakeholders on actions they can take to help achieve this.

Version 2.0 of the National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP 2.0) has been published on the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s website. The PFAS NEMP provides nationally agreed guidance on managing PFAS contamination in the environment, including preventing the spread of contamination. It supports collaborative, consistent action on PFAS by all governments around Australia.

The Australian Government, through the Department of Health, commissioned the ANU to conduct an epidemiological study to investigate the exposure levels and potential health effects of PFAS in areas of known contamination.
The ANU PFAS Study investigated the exposure levels and potential health effects of PFAS in areas of known contamination in the communities of Williamtown in New South Wales, Oakey in Queensland, and Katherine in the Northern Territory, Australia.
This is the first significant piece of research into the potential health effects of PFAS exposure, including impacts on mental health, in Australia.

Information on community support activities, how to access support, and information about site investigations.

Find guidance on environmental management and roles and responsibilities.

Find out about Australian Government funded PFAS research initiatives.

Links to Australian Government policies relevant to PFAS management.

Find out whether PFAS contamination means anything for your business.