The Federal Court has ordered Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue to pay the Yindjibarndi people $150.1 million.

It is the biggest native title compensation payout in Australian history.

But for Yindjibarndi leaders, the judgment is complicated. The payout is historic, but it is far below the $1.8 billion they were seeking.

The case goes back more than two decades – to Fortescue’s Solomon Hub mines in the Pilbara, which were built on Yindjibarndi land without the agreement of the traditional owners.

And the payout includes only about $100,000 for economic loss, despite Fortescue making billions from the mines.

Journalist Ben Abbatangelo tells the story of Michael Woodley – the Yindjibarndi lawman who took on Andrew Forrest – and asks: what is the true cost of mining someone else’s Country?

This episode was originally published in May 2024.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Ben Abbatangelo

Photo: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

The Federal Court has ordered Andrew Forrest&rsquo;s Fortescue to pay the Yindjibarndi people $150.1 million.
It is the biggest native title compensation payout in Australian history.
But for Yindjibarndi leaders, the judgment is complicated. The payout is historic, but it is far below the $1.8 billion they were seeking.
The case goes back more than two decades &ndash; to Fortescue&rsquo;s Solomon Hub mines in the Pilbara, which were built on Yindjibarndi land without the agreement of the traditional owners.
And the payout includes only about $100,000 for economic loss, despite Fortescue making billions from the mines.
Journalist Ben Abbatangelo tells the story of Michael Woodley &ndash; the Yindjibarndi lawman who took on Andrew Forrest &ndash; and asks: what is the true cost of mining someone else&rsquo;s Country?
This episode was originally published in May 2024.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Ben Abbatangelo
Photo: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

The man who took the fight to Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/fcf4623b-1617-4725-ab20-b45200066d18/transcript