The man who took the fight to Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest
May 24, 2026 •
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.
The man who took the fight to Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest
1925 • May 24, 2026
The man who took the fight to Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest
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.
Guest: Ben Abbatangelo
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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.
It’s made by Arielle Richards, Atticus Bastow, Chris Dengate, Daniel James, Krystal Keller, Ruby Jones, Travis Evans and Zoltan Fecso.
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