This inquiry was established after media reports revealed that elevated levels of PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) 'forever chemicals' had been detected in parts of Sydney’s drinking water. Around the same time, alarmingly high levels of PFAS had been detected in foam in the Belubula River in the state’s Central West and in the bodies of dead platypus. Each of these only came to light because of the work of independent scientists, journalists and impacted communities.

The Committee found government agencies tasked with protecting public health and water quality had been unable to keep pace with the spread of PFAS chemicals throughout the environment. 

The report concludes no single jurisdiction can tackle this problem alone and recommends the government work with state and federal governments to support the phase-out of all non-essential uses of PFAS by 2030.

The report contains 16 findings and 32 recommendations, aimed at better addressing PFAS contamination in New South Wales and the associated risks to human health and the environment.