Fortescue stands down executive at the centre of harassment probe

Mining giant Fortescue has moved to suspend a senior executive from working for the company while allegations of sexual harassment and bullying are being investigated by law firm MinterEllison.

Just last week, the West Australia miner defended its decision not to stand down the executive at the centre of the investigation while the probe was underway, saying it had taken extensive external legal and governance advice to come to that decision.

But on Tuesday Fortescue said the employee will be suspended. “It has been decided that the employee who is the subject of the allegations will not undertake any work for Fortescue while the investigation continues,” a spokesperson said.

“The investigation is ongoing and no findings have been made. Sexual harassment, unlawful discrimination and any behaviour that makes people feel unsafe have no place at Fortescue,” they said.