A class action lawsuit has been filed against Andrew Forrest's Fortescue, alleging systemic sexual harassment, violence, and retaliation against female workers at the iron ore miner's remote work sites. The lawsuit, lodged in the federal court in Victoria on Thursday, includes harrowing accounts of sexual assault, intimidation, and a hostile work environment.
Allegations of Serious Sexual Assaults and Harassment
One woman claims she was pulled into a dark alley where a man "tried to stick his tongue down my throat." Another female employee allegedly found a male stranger in her room upon returning to her accommodation. A third woman reported being "howled" at by male colleagues while in a communal eating area. The class action, filed by law firm JGA Saddler and backed by UK litigation funder Aristata Capital, covers allegations from 2006 to 2025.
Law Firm Details Disturbing Patterns
JGA Saddler special counsel Paris Hamrey stated that allegations range from "serious sexual assaults through to day-to-day micro aggressions." One particularly disturbing report involved women being warned against washing their underwear in on-site laundries due to rampant theft of female underwear. "It is horrendous to think mining women should have to worry about what should be a mundane task. Aside from a violation, it raises concerns about escalation of offending and highlights safety risks to female staff," Hamrey said.
Fortescue's Response
A spokesperson for Fortescue, chaired by billionaire founder Andrew Forrest, said it would be inappropriate to comment before proceedings began but emphasized the company's commitment to a safe workplace. "Fortescue is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees and contractors. Sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination, and other behaviour that makes people feel unsafe have no place at Fortescue," the spokesperson said.
Broader Industry Issue
This case is the third class action JGA Saddler has filed against a major mining company, following similar claims against BHP and Rio Tinto, which remain before the courts. Hamrey highlighted a systemic failure in the mining industry, stating, "The mining industry has a real problem with women – it's most women, if not all, working on remote sites that have suffered some form of sexual harassment or sex discrimination. These companies actually need to stand up and address issues … strengthen their policies, actually enforce the policy, and provide a space where women feel safe to work."
