On 15 May 2026, Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) published Version 3.0 of the Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP), updating Australia’s national guidance for managing PFAS contamination in the environment. Developed jointly by the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments together with New Zealand through the Heads of EPA Australia and New Zealand (HEPA), the revised framework aims to ensure a nationally consistent and science-based approach to PFAS environmental management. The updated PFAS NEMP 3.0 replaces Version 2.0 issued in 2020 and reflects recent scientific evidence, regulatory developments and practical experience in contamination management. Key updates include new guideline values for investigation and risk assessment to support more accurate identification and evaluation of PFAS contamination. The revised document also introduces expanded guidance on remediation of contaminated land, recommendations regarding the re-use of resource recovery products, and risk-based criteria for the re-use of biosolids affected by PFAS. The update supports Australia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental protection, improve regulatory consistency, and manage PFAS-related risks to human health and the environment.
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