Breaking: WA government to appeal $150m Andrew Forrest Fortescue native title payout

WA government to appeal landmark native title ruling against Andrew Forrest's Fortescue Mining magnate Andrew Forrest's Fortescue faces a renewed legal battle over a record $150.3 million native title compensation payout, with the WA government confirming it would appeal a landmark Federal Court judgement. It comes after the native title group announced they would also appeal the amount awarded, renewing a bitter dispute with Mr Forrest's company. The Federal Court had found Fortescue liable for $150 million in cultural losses, and $150,000 in economic losses, plus interest. At the core of the dispute was the construction of four Pilbara iron ore mines without permission from the Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation. In a statement confirming its appeal, Attorney General Tony Buti said the state government supported "proper compensation" for the impact of mining on country. "As this is a matter which is currently before the court, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics of the case at this time." It's unclear what grounds the WA Government is appealing the judgement on. Loading