By Lexy Hamilton-Smith

Topic: Sexual Offences

Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11:32 am

A class action lawsuit was filed against Fortescue, a mining company, for alleged sexual harassment.

This story has disturbing details.

Women were warned not to use the laundry because their underwear might be stolen, and they were offered promotions for sex.

These claims are part of a lawsuit against Fortescue Metals Group, owned by Andrew Forrest.

Women workers at Fortescue's remote camps claim they were raped, assaulted, and stalked.

Fortescue had similar allegations in 2023 and agreed to spend $1.4 million to address the issue.

Hundreds of women have come forward with similar allegations against BHP and Rio Tinto.

The lawsuit includes claims of rape, assault, and stalking at Fortescue's camps.

Law firm JGA Saddler says many women were threatened or forced out of their jobs when they complained.

Some comments in the lawsuit include inappropriate and explicit conversations.

When a woman dropped something, men would say 'baby girl, while you're down there'.

A woman in a leadership role had men refuse to talk to her because they wanted to speak to a man.

When a woman told Fortescue she was pregnant, she was given a release form and told she had 'resigned'.

Inappropriate conversations are normal, and supervisors fail to act or are part of the conversation.

JGA Saddler claims many women were forced out of their jobs when they complained.

Special Counsel Paris Hamrey said they heard about bad conduct at Fortescue mining sites.

Women allege sexual assault, stalking, and inappropriate touching at work.

Women were warned not to wash their underwear in on-site laundries because of theft.

It's horrible that women have to worry about such things.

This raises concerns about safety risks to female staff.

Special Counsel Paris Hamrey says JGA Saddler has heard about bad conduct at Fortescue.

JGA Saddler asked the court to keep the names of the lead applicants secret for safety reasons.

Under the law, an employer is responsible if they allow a woman to work in an environment where she will likely be harassed.

Female employees were told to report misconduct, but when they did, they were silenced or forced out.

Fortescue previously settled a sexual harassment lawsuit with a $1.4 million agreement.

Fortescue said it completed training courses to address inappropriate behavior.

But Special Counsel Paris Hamrey claims little has changed.

Changes don't seem to be happening.

The culture needs to change from the top down.

A report found sexual harassment was widespread in WA's mining camps and that executives failed to act.

It's like the 'wild west'.

Many women and some men in mining have contacted the ABC about their experiences.

A male miner who tried to call out bad behavior was punished.

The man, who worked for Fortescue, said he was targeted for speaking out.

Workers allege a culture of harassment and silence across the mining industry.

A survey found two-thirds of female respondents had experienced sexual harassment.

The survey recommended mining companies install panic buttons and self-closing doors.

The union said members still report concerns about harassment at FMG despite extra training.

FMG said it has spent $300 million upgrading site security.

A Fortescue spokeswoman said it was inappropriate to comment on the claims.

Fortescue is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace.

Sexual harassment has no place at Fortescue.

Fortescue has upgraded site security, including deadlocks, CCTV, and lighting.

Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11:32 am

Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 12:04 pm

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