In 1992 Australia changed from using paper notes for money to plastic (polymer) notes. 
Britain is in the process of changing to plastic as well:
http://www.theguardian.com/business/blog/2013/dec/19/plastic-pound-notes-money-australia-bank-polymer
I can vouch that the money does survive the washing machine including front loaders with 90 deg Celsius water on 1200rpm spin cycle!
Yes, criminal elements try to circulate fake notes. At first they slipby while people get used to the notes but now alot of shopkeepers check $50 and $100 notes for the obvious signs – the symbol in the window, ability to uncrumple when scrunched. 
Like paper money they can test the ashes in the case of fire to which notes and approx how many . Unlike paper money at the end of life the plastic is shredded for a new life like a compost bin. 
Source for pictures of notes: http://banknotes.rba.gov.au/ausbanknotes.html#!note/5
Sally from Sydney 