Australians living in areas where the ground has been contaminated by PFAS chemicals used in industrial products will spend this holiday season fighting for government recognition of the cancer-causing qualities of the chemicals, and for compensation for their now-worthless properties.

A Parliamentary inquiry has recommended government action. Numerous studies have shown just how hazardous PFAS chemicals can be to humans and many governments around the world have already banned the use of PFAS chemicals in many products as a result. However, the Australian government persists in denying  the results of these studies and any compensation affected Australians arguably should be entitled to.

New reporting has also uncovered a culture of secrecy and whistle-blower persecution in relating regulatory departments. Why is this happening? Tess talked about this to the woman responsible for blowing the lid off this entire issue: Carrie Fellner, investigative reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.