Good afternoon. The Australian government says it has launched legal action against the multinational manufacturer 3M over Pfas chemical contamination at defence bases, seeking damages of more than $2bn (US$1.4bn).
The attorney general, Michelle Rowland, on Thursday said the “significant” legal claim was the largest ever lawsuit brought by the commonwealth.
The government alleges 3M withheld and misrepresented information about the effects of the firefighting foam product, did not disclose what it knew about environmental risks and gave assurances about disposal and environmental safety that were inconsistent with what the company knew.
Health risks associated with Pfas “forever chemicals” include liver damage, lower birth weight and testicular cancer.
“This is a government that is prepared to take on one of the biggest multinational corporations in the world for the betterment of Australian citizens,” Rowland said.
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The World Cup is two weeks away, but the chatter around team uniforms has been going for a while. From riffs on much-loved favourites to new entries with the potential to become future classics, here are the 10 fashion picks to become familiar with before the tournament.
What they said …
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“If they’re ‘in business to save the home planet’, why are they suing a climate activist?” – Wyn Wiley, who performs as Pattie Gonia.
Patagonia has launched a trademark lawsuit against the environmentalist drag queen, who has accused the outdoor clothing company of “trying to erase an activist”.
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Before bed read
Australia’s Adam Walton is enjoying his moment in the sun at the French Open after a shock win over Daniil Medvedev. But as Simon Cambers reports from Roland Garros, the 27-year-old “late bloomer” has an eye on more grand slam success.
“I was never a good junior, never played any of the junior slams or did any European junior trips or any of that,” Walton says. “Had I not gone to college, I don’t think I would have been able to continue with my tennis.”
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: ROTI. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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