Defence’s national PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) Investigation and Management Program works with industry leading partners and world class research groups to investigate and remediate PFAS contamination and support impacted communities.
Defence works with federal, state and local authorities in managing PFAS contamination. The program is open and transparent with key reports and verified test results published online.
The program’s PFAS management teams are located across Australia, providing information and support regarding PFAS to local communities.
Defence PFAS Program Snapshot (PDF, 511.71 KB)
Community information sessions
Defence holds regular information sessions for communities affected by PFAS contamination from Defence sites. These sessions cover progress in remediation, outcomes of ongoing monitoring, community support and opportunities to learn more from the PFAS Investigation and Management Program team.
Details for upcoming community information sessions will be published once scheduled.
Coordinating a national approach to PFAS
In September 2025, the PFAS National Coordinating Body was established to improve the management of PFAS nationally. The Body includes senior representatives from all key portfolios including Departments of Health, Environment, and Infrastructure, together with state and territory officials, to promote a stronger and more integrated government response to PFAS.
As this National approach evolves, community-based Working Groups are being established to drive progress at a local level on PFAS-related issues near RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales, RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory and Schwartz Barracks in Queensland. The Williamtown Working Group was established in November 2025.
The establishment of a PFAS National Coordinating Body and Williamtown Working Group were key recommendations agreed in the Government response to the Independent Review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by PFAS contamination, released in December 2024.