Fortescue harassment lawsuit sparks demand for answers
A politician investigating sexual harassment and abuse in Australia’s mining camps is demanding answers to new allegations against a resources giant.
Fortescue faces a class-action lawsuit alleging widespread sexual harassment at its remote work sites and residential village for decades.
A woman was lured into a dark alley by a man who tried to forcibly kiss her, and another came home one night to find a random man in her room, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday in Federal Court.
Others claimed they were subjected to vile language such as “you report us, then we get fired” and “why don’t you screw the crew, it’ll make you feel better.”
Western Australian Liberal MP Libby Mettam, who chaired the state parliamentary inquiry into the matter, said the allegations supporting the class action were similar to those previously identified in the inquiry.
In 2022, the inquiry presented 24 recommendations, largely aimed at companies improving security and cracking down on perpetrators; these included blacklisting them from the industry to prevent them from moving from one company to another.
“This investigation has exposed a toxic culture of cover-up in the mining industry,” Ms Mettam told AAP.
“I am extremely disappointed that the same allegations have been repeated for four years.
“A workplace culture that supports harassment and discrimination against women needs to be eliminated.”
Ms Mettam said she would pursue the state’s Labor government to demand answers.
WA Premier Roger Cook said there was still more to be done when asked why all the recommendations in the report, including the blacklist of offenders, had not been implemented.
“I know the industry takes these issues very seriously, especially after these incidents or patterns of behavior have been highlighted, and we know there is more to be done,” he told reporters on Thursday.
Australian Gender Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody said the allegations formed part of wider concerns raised in the mining industry in recent years.
“All workers have the right to be safe, respected and free from sexual harassment in the workplace, wherever they work, including in remote and male-dominated industries,” Dr Cody said.
“We will continue to engage with sectors where the risk of harm is high to strengthen cohesion and encourage cultural change.”
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Resolution Support Service 1800 211 028
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