Greens call for a full investigation into FMG

Greens WA Member for Mining and Pastoral Robin Chapple MLC has called on the State Government to investigate allegations of impropriety and illegal activity by Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue Metals Group in relation to native title and Aboriginal heritage at its Solomon Hub iron ore project in the Pilbara.

“The Government needs to investigate the growing number of claims made by a number of people about FMG and its activities in relation to its Solomon lease on Yindjibarndi country,” Mr Chapple said.

“The company has admitted destroying Aboriginal sites and yet the Department of Indigenous Affairs has decided not to prosecute.

“A former lawyer with FMG has blown the whistle on the circumstances surrounding a meeting convened by the company in March this year, saying it was ‘illegal’ and in contravention of ‘good faith negotiations’, which is a right under the Native Title Act.

“There are clear statements coming from both Eureka (an archaeology company) and Brad Goode & Associates (Consulting anthropologists and archaeologists) that they had been told to remove certain sections of their reports and to delete references to the heritage significance of the Kangeenarina Creek.

“When they refused, their reports did not see the light of day and FMG commissioned a third firm, MGA Consulting, who was more compliant.

“At the same March meeting Mr Forrest expressed his love for Aboriginal people. Now let’s see him extend that to those who dare to stand up to him.Mr Chapple said.

“It is time the Government fulfilled its responsibilities to the Yindjibarndi people and convened a full investigation into the matter.”

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