PFAS settlement sparks hope

‘Thousands’ wondering why claims have not been considered

THE law firm spearheading several class actions against the Federal Government over PFAS contamination says it’s “disappointing” to have only seen one successful compensation claim over the past six years.

Oakey’s Dr Eric Donaldson this week became the first landowner to successfully settle a PFAS compensation claim with the government.

Shine Lawyers special counsel for class actions Joshua Aylward hoped the settlement signalled a change in the Commonwealth’s attitude.

“However we’re not holding our breath,” he said.

THE law firm heading up several class actions against the Commonwealth over PFAS contamination said it was disappointing to see only one successful compensation claim in the past six years.

The comments come off the back of this week’s landmark announcement that Toowoomba lawyer Adair Donaldson, of Donaldson Law, had successful settled a compensation claim for his father, Oakey landowner Dr Eric Donaldson - the first such settlement in Australia.

Shine Lawyers special counsel for class actions Joshua Aylward welcomed the government’s payment of compensation for PFAS contamination.

“We’re disappointed that despite two Senate inquiries proposing compensation, and 10s of thousands of Australians bringing class actions against the Commonwealth for this contamination, the government has only seen fit to compensate one small claim in the last six years,” he said.

“We hope this signals a change in the Commonwealth’s attitude, however we’re not holding our breath.

“We’re concerned that there is no information around the deal struck, and that it is not on the table for anyone else.

“If the Commonwealth thinks that throwing around a few handfuls of peanuts is going to placate the residents of these communities, then they’re going to be sorely disappointed.

“Dealing with only one man’s issue has only served to enrage the thousands in those affected communities who are wondering why they haven’t been given the same consideration.

“This settlement has no effect on the existing class actions. They will continue to trial, which starts on 12 August.”

There were no admissions of liability as part of Dr Donaldson’s settlement.