Darwin resident Sue lives on the fringe of a PFAS contamination zone and is one of the 30,000 Australians involved in a class action against the Defence Department.

"Residents have been trapped on contaminated land for years," Shine Lawyers' head of class actions Craig Allsopp said.

"They are unable to sell their properties or enjoy simple freedoms like running the tap for a glass of water or to bathe their children.

"Toxicology reports point to PFAS levels in the eight areas of investigation being dangerously high. It's time the government showed some accountability."

"It shouldn't be denial. It should be taking ownership of it, dealing with it and rectifying, and paying people out that need the money for medical bills and their properties."