Overview
- A Federal Court class action was filed in Melbourne on Thursday alleging widespread sexual harassment, sexual violence and sex discrimination at Fortescue’s Pilbara worksites and accommodation camps.
- The claim, launched by law firm JGA Saddler and backed by UK funder Aristata, covers incidents dated between February 1, 2006 and December 5, 2025 and seeks to represent affected current and former workers.
- Plaintiffs describe conduct ranging from catcalling and theft of women’s underwear to sexual assault, rape and stalking, and they say many women who reported abuse were demoted, sacked, silenced or blacklisted from the industry.
- Fortescue said it would not comment on the allegations while it reviews the filing and pointed to completed mandatory training and about $300 million in security upgrades to accommodation and site facilities.
- The filing adds to ongoing sector scrutiny after a 2022 WA inquiry and separate class actions against BHP and Rio Tinto and could increase political and regulatory pressure for stronger enforcement and industry-wide reforms.