Andrew Forrest speaks out on disturbing workplace allegations following class action
Billionaire Andrew Forrest has addressed staff at Fortescue mining camps after disturbing allegations of sexual abuse emerged in a class-action lawsuit against the miner.
Women working at Fortescue have taken legal action against the company, alleging decades of systemic sexual harassment, gender discrimination and hostile workplace environments.
Staff claim they were warned not to wash their underwear in the on-site laundries due to the prevalence of women’s underwear theft.
Others reported that men followed them like animals, being followed into their rooms and subjected to sexual comments.
Mr Forrest said in an email to staff on Friday that the allegations were serious, disturbing and had no place at Fortescue, 7News reported.
“Let me be absolutely clear. Any form of harassment or discrimination is unacceptable,” the email said.
“Physical abuse will not be tolerated, sexual harassment will not be tolerated.
“Anyone who thinks this behavior has a place at Fortescue is in the wrong company.
“In cases where behavior is considered a crime, we will support our people and expect the law to do what is necessary.
“Losing your job is the beginning of the consequences, not the end.”
The class action was filed in the Federal Court of Victoria register on Thursday by law firm JGA Saddler and supported by UK litigation funder Aristata; This is the third class action lawsuit filed against Australian mining companies.
The allegations focused on the company’s remote work sites and accommodation villages in Australia.
JGA Saraç lawyer Paris Hamrey said Rio Tinto and BHP had spoken to thousands of women working in the mining industry in their sex discrimination class action, and Fortescue’s work sites continued to stand out as allegedly unsafe places for women.
“There have been reports of sexual assault, violence and retaliation, particularly if female staff reject sexual advances,” he said.
“We have heard from women who complained about unacceptable behavior but were subsequently fired, demoted, silenced or blacklisted from the industry.”
Women who suffered workplace harassment or discrimination at Fortescue’s Australian mining centers or accommodation camps between February 1, 2006 and December 5, 2025 may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.
