Fortescue boss Mark Hutchinson issues apology to gay staff

Mark Hutchinson, the CEO of Australian mining giant Fortescue’s energy business, has apologised to the company’s gay staff over his ties to an anti-LGBTQIA religious group.

The Australian Financial Review recently asked Hutchinson for his thoughts on how Fortescue’s diversity and inclusion policy aligns with the views of the evangelical church he leads, Alpha International.

Alpha International calls for a “re-evangelisation of the nations” and strongly opposes same-sex marriage, the AFR reported.

In sermon videos aimed at teenagers, Alpha International claims Jesus wants to “guide” them in their sexuality.

The sermons preach the Bible makes “clear” that sex should exclusively occur between men and women within marriage and can “cause a lot of damage when it is misused”.

Fortescue chairman Andrew Forrest responds

Mark Hutchinson declined to comment but when the AFR published a story, he sent an all-staff email on Thursday.

“Our entire global workforce come from different faiths, religions and backgrounds – and what I love is our diversity in all of its forms,” he wrote at the time.

“Fortescue has an industry-leading commitment to diversity and human rights, and of course, our values underpin all that we do. I love our values and our diversity. These values guide me as CEO in everything I do.”

But that email lacked any mention of LGBTQIA+ people, something Fortescue staff raised with the company’s Board.

On Sunday, Fortescue’s billionaire chairman Andrew Forrest responded on behalf of the Board.

“I would like to reassure you all on behalf of our Board, that we are resolutely committed to the cause of equal rights. We expect and require the same of our leadership,” Forrest wrote in his email.

“We uplift, empower, and celebrate every employee and protect each of them from all kinds of discrimination; this categorically includes on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, including the freedom, to choose your partner.

Forrest wrote that Fortescue “deeply values Fortescue’s LGBTQIA+ community. At a personal level, I stand with you.”

‘I apologise unreservedly’

On Sunday, Mark Hutchinson also sent a separate all-staff email to “clarify” his previous comments.

“After speaking with some of you over the past few days, I am aware that by failing to clarify my views on same-sex relationships in my comments last week that I’ve let you down,” his email reads.

“This was certainly not my intention, and I apologise unreservedly. I wish to state clearly that I am supportive of everyone in a same-sex marriage and same-sex relationships and value the LGBTQIA+ community.

He went on, “I believe that all of us are equal and I accept and support every member of our team. I want everyone to have the freedom to be who they are.”

Meanwhile, a Fortescue spokesperson said, “All our staff live by the Fortescue values in every aspect of their employment, fostering an inclusive, safe working environment for all employees.”

Mark Hutchinson joined Fortescue in July 2022 and is currently the boss of Fortescue’s green energy arm, Fortescue Energy.

He and his partner became directors of Alpha International last year. The AFR reports they are two of the organisation’s 17 directors.

Andrew Forrest’s child Sophia is non-binary and married their partner Zara Zoe (both pictured below) in August at the family’s Minderoo station.