Published on 3 Nov 2025

Secretariat and Scientific Support Services for PFAS Expert Health Panel

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Allen + Clarke provided secretariat and scientific support to Australia's PFAS Expert Health Panel after firefighting chemicals were found in groundwater near Defence bases. We managed meeting logistics, reviewed scientific literature, engaged stakeholders, and facilitated public consultation. Our work culminated in a comprehensive Final Report to the Australian Government with clear recommendations on addressing PFAS contamination, helping translate complex science into practical guidance for decision-makers.

Key Takeaways:

  • We synthesised complex epidemiological and toxicological evidence to help the Panel formulate science-based advice on PFAS health impacts.

  • Our stakeholder engagement approach ensured community concerns were properly captured and considered alongside scientific evidence.

  • We developed plain-language materials including lay summaries and FAQs that made technical findings accessible to affected communities.
Read the public report here
This project demonstrates Allen + Clarke's ability to provide scientific support and stakeholder engagement on complex environmental health issues, delivering practical guidance backed by robust evidence.

The Challenge

The Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing faced a significant challenge when PFAS chemicals from firefighting foams were detected in groundwater near Defence bases. Community concern about potential health impacts prompted the Department to establish an Expert Health Panel, with Allen + Clarke engaged to provide secretariat and scientific support.

The Panel needed to assess evidence on PFAS exposure and provide recommendations to government. This required bringing together scientific expertise with effective stakeholder engagement and clear communication of complex findings.

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Our Approach

The Panel faced the challenge of providing clear guidance despite scientific uncertainty. Allen + Clarke supported this process by ensuring all relevant evidence was examined and diverse perspectives were considered.

Our approach combined thorough evidence review with practical consultation strategies:

  • Evidence gathering - we collected relevant documentation including systematic reviews and international government guidance, creating detailed literature reviews covering environmental health, toxicology and public health aspects of PFAS.

  • Technical analysis - we prepared reports that synthesised complex epidemiological and toxicological studies, helping the Panel form evidence-based conclusions about potential health impacts.

  • Stakeholder engagement - we managed a public consultation process and analysed written submissions to ensure community perspectives informed the Panel's work.

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Shaping Australia's response to PFAS contamination

We helped translate technical findings into accessible formats by developing lay summaries, updated fact sheets and comprehensive FAQs. These materials helped communicate the Panel's work to concerned communities in clear, straightforward language.

The project culminated in Allen + Clarke supporting the drafting of a Final Report to the Australian Government Minister for Health. This report included recommendations to both the Government and the National Health and Medical Research Council, helping shape Australia's response to PFAS contamination.

The work delivered several important outcomes:

  • Evidence-based policy - the Panel's recommendations provided a scientific foundation for government responses to PFAS contamination.

  • Improved public understanding - our communication materials helped communities understand complex scientific findings about potential health risks

  • Better coordination - the project strengthened collaboration between federal, state and local authorities addressing PFAS contamination. 

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