Great news today that the federal government is taking action to hold 3M accountable for supplying firefighting foam containing PFAS.
This was a recommendation from a senate inquiry that was put forward and chaired by Senator Lidia Thorpe (Fire Ops 101 participant). The UFU spoke to this inquiry and put forward submissions, with this legal action being one of our recommendations. A great example of union advocacy, and why its important we are involved in our national body – the United Firefighters Union Australia.
This legal case was put to the Victorian government a number of years ago. ACFO Mick Tisbury is a renowned expert in this area, and completed a large amount of work to make sure 3M was held accountable. Unfortunately, Jaclyn Symes decided not to proceed with the legal action, and even blocked FRV from participating.
But, through our advocacy at a national level, this legal action is now proceeding and we look forward to watching how it progresses.