A federal Senate committee examining the regulation and management of so-called "forever chemicals" has released its final report, calling for a full ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam.

The 400-page report, chaired by independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, outlines 47 recommendations aimed at tackling the widespread use and environmental persistence of PFAS.

Known as 'forever chemicals," the several thousand synthetic compounds used in waterproof fabrics, food packaging, hygiene products and firefighting foam break down slowly and remain in the environment for decades.

"For too long, PFAS chemicals have poisoned our land, water, and communities, while governments looked the other way," Senator Thorpe said.

"The science is clear: PFAS are toxic and linked to immune, reproductive and cancer risks. People are getting sick, but the problem is still being minimised; that has to stop."

Earlier this year, the committee heard that members of an Aboriginal community in New South Wales are experiencing a "cancer cluster" linked to PFAS contamination caused by the Department of Defence.

Civil action taken by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council resulted in the Commonwealth agreeing to pay $22 million after toxic firefighting foam from nearby defence facilities contaminated sacred waterways.

PFAS-based foams have been used at HMAS Creswell and the Jervis Bay Range Facility since the 1970s. The committee heard testimony that defence workers had unknowingly sprayed the foam to entertain children, and on another occasion, used it to farewell a colleague.

Among the report's central recommendations are a full ban on PFAS in firefighting foam and a "mandatory product labelling regime aimed at retailers, wholesalers, distributors, importers and manufacturers who import consumer products containing PFAS chemicals".

The report also calls for subsidised blood tests and health screenings for highly exposed communities — such as Wreck Bay — and for fast-tracking reforms to remove PFAS from all imported and locally used food-contact packaging.

It recommends collaboration between the federal government, states, territories, and local councils to address "legacy contamination" across the country, including from firefighting foam usage.

The Senate Committee on PFAS I chaired has just released its final report.

The Albanese Government must act now to implement the recommendations, protect communities and clean up Country. For current and future generations we must act.

Media release:https://t.co/4c1R7g3B0G

— Senator Lidia Thorpe (@SenatorThorpe) November 19, 2025

"These chemicals are the asbestos of the 21st century," Senator Thorpe said.

"First Peoples, firefighters, farmers and communities like Wreck Bay have been on the front line of this contamination. First Peoples have lost access to Country, food sources and cultural practices, and many are suffering related diseases."

The Victorian senator issued additional recommendations beyond the committee's consensus, including a default ban on all PFAS chemicals under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS), with only "strictly justified 'essential uses' allowed".

She also called for stronger environmental regulations "to prevent further harm," enforceable water quality standards with regular testing, and more funding for the South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation "to increase primary care access for members of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal community".

"The committee reached agreement on a large number of recommendations, but as Chair, I've provided additional comments because stronger action is urgently needed," she said.

"All PFAS chemicals should be banned, not phased out one at a time. Only genuinely essential uses should remain, assessed independently, not by the chemical industry."

The Greens supported stronger national intervention, writing that Australia "lags behind other countries in banning these harmful substances," which risks "our nation becoming a dumping ground for dangerous chemicals".

They argued "urgent national action is needed to protect people, food systems, and the environment from PFAS" and urged the Commonwealth to assume a "leadership role" to coordinate reforms across jurisdictions and phase out all non-essential PFAS uses.

Government senators issued a dissenting report that acknowledged some of the committee's proposals but highlighted the "complexity" of PFAS regulation.

They offered seven alternative recommendations, including more investment in PFAS research, stating they are "cautious about recommending prescriptive policy interventions that may not be supported by evidence when properly considered or may have unintended and undesirable consequences".

"Labor Senators agree that PFAS management should incorporate actions to safeguard the cultural, social, nutritional, and economic well-being of First Nations people and communities," they added.

The report also recommends the government work to enforce a ban on PFAS in cosmetics and personal care products, and develop a national plan to manage existing contamination.

Senator Thorpe said the findings cannot be "allowed to gather dust like so many others".

"The Albanese Government must act now to implement the recommendations, protect communities and clean up contaminated land. There can be no more excuses. We owe it to current and future generations to act."