Andrew Forrest

John Andrew Henry Forrest{{Cite web|title=Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.|url=https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/AU/FMG/company-people/executive-profile/13206348|access-date=2021-10-16|publisher=The Wall Street Journal|archive-date=16 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016132203/https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/AU/FMG/company-people/executive-profile/13206348|url-status=live}} was born on 18 November 1961{{Cite news|title=Andrew Forrest|language=en|work=Bloomberg Billionaires Index|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/andrew-j-forrest/|access-date=2021-10-16|archive-date=16 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016132203/https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/andrew-j-forrest/|url-status=live}} in Perth, Western Australia, the youngest of three children of Judith (née Fry) and Donald Forrest.{{cite news |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/sunday-mail/meet-the-man-who-inspired-mining-billionaire-andrew-forrest/story-e6frep2o-1225884686907 |title=Meet the man who inspired mining billionaire Andrew Forrest |author=Rule, Billy |date=27 June 2010 |work=The Sunday Mail |location=Queensland |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=1 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201051036/http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/sunday-mail/meet-the-man-who-inspired-mining-billionaire-andrew-forrest/story-e6frep2o-1225884686907 |url-status=live }} His father, grandfather (Mervyn), and great-grandfather (David) were all managers of Minderoo Station, which David had established in 1878 with his brothers, Alexander and John.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/dynasties/txt/s1489302.htm |title=Program: Forrest |work=Dynasties |date=28 November 2005 |publisher=ABC Television |location=Australia |access-date=3 June 2012 |format=transcript |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817224729/http://www.abc.net.au/dynasties/txt/s1489302.htm |archive-date=17 August 2016 |url-status=dead }} John, Alexander, David, and Mervyn were all members of parliament for periods, with John serving as Western Australia's first premier.{{cite book |last1=Black |first1=David |author-link1=David Black (historian) |last2= Bolton |first2=Geoffrey |author-link2=Geoffrey Bolton |title=Biographical Register of Members of the Parliament of Western Australia |volume=One, 1870–1930 |page=74 |year=1990 |isbn=0-7316-9782-0 }}{{cite book |last=Muir |first=Alison & Dinee |title=Forrest Family, Pioneers of Western Australia, 1842–1982 |page=101 |publisher=J.R. Muir & Son |year=1982 |isbn=0-9592883-0-9}} Forrest's early years were spent at Minderoo, located in the Pilbara region south of Onslow. Minderoo was owned by the Forrest family until it was sold in 1998 by his father due to relentless drought and debt, but it was bought back by Forrest in 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.fionalake.com.au/blog/news/andrew-forrest-buys-back-minderoo-the-cattle-station-he-grew-up-on |title=Andrew Forrest buys back Minderoo, the cattle station he grew up on |work=Fiona Lake blog |date=30 July 2009 |access-date=3 June 2012 |author=Lake, Fiona |archive-date=24 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724062907/http://www.fionalake.com.au/blog/news/andrew-forrest-buys-back-minderoo-the-cattle-station-he-grew-up-on/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://fw.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/forrest-buys-back-the-family-farm/1576509.aspx |title=Forrest buys back the family farm |date=24 July 2009 |work=Farm Weekly |location=Western Australia |access-date=3 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005054803/http://fw.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/forrest-buys-back-the-family-farm/1576509.aspx |archive-date=5 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}

Forrest was educated at Onslow Primary School and through the School of the Air before moving to Perth to attend Christ Church Grammar School and then Hale School.{{cite news |author=Stewart, Cameron |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/the-accidental-billionaire/story-e6frg8h6-1111116422599 |title=The accidental billionaire |work=The Australian |date=24 May 2008}} He stuttered as a child, which is how he came to develop a relationship with Ian Black, whose Aboriginal father, Scotty, became Forrest's mentor. Forrest went on to the University of Western Australia{{cite web |url=http://www.news.uwa.edu.au/201005312539/alumni/uwa-staff-and-graduates-win-wa-citizen-year-awards |title=UWA staff and graduates win WA Citizen of the Year Awards |date=31 May 2010 |publisher=University of Western Australia |access-date=5 December 2011 |archive-date=28 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328170627/http://www.news.uwa.edu.au/201005312539/alumni/uwa-staff-and-graduates-win-wa-citizen-year-awards |url-status=live }} where he majored in economics and politics.{{cite web|url=http://www.minesandmoney.com/london/speakers/andrew-forrest-chairman-fortescue-metals-group/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907032312/http://www.minesandmoney.com/london/speakers/andrew-forrest-chairman-fortescue-metals-group/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 September 2012 |title=Andrew Forrest, Chairman, Fortescue Metals Group |publisher=Mines and Money }}

After graduating, Forrest worked as a stockbroker at the brokerage houses Kirke Securities and Jacksons. After noticing that the demand for stainless steel was rising at 4 per cent a year, he quit stockbroking and got into nickel mining by founding Anaconda Nickel.{{Cite news |title=Bloomberg Billionaires Index |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/ |access-date=2022-12-03 }} He became the founding CEO of Anaconda Nickel in 1993, after buying a stake in the company.{{cite web |title=The roller-coaster career of Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/The-rollercoaster-career-of-Andrew-Twiggy-Forrest |publisher=Nikkei |access-date=20 July 2021}}{{cite web |title=Fortescue woes stir Anaconda memories |date=17 September 2012 |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/fortescue-woes-stir-anaconda-memories-20120917-261r5.html |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=20 July 2021 |archive-date=20 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720100142/https://www.smh.com.au/business/fortescue-woes-stir-anaconda-memories-20120917-261r5.html |url-status=live }} However, in 2001 he was ousted as CEO when the company almost collapsed. US bondholders received $0.26 for each dollar of debt in the restructuring. The company's shares fell by 89% before it was taken over by Glencore and renamed Minara Resources.

{{Main|Fortescue Metals Group}}

In April 2003, he took control of Allied Mining and Processing, which had rights to iron ore in the Pilbara, and renamed it Fortescue Metals Group (FMG).Herald Sun newspaper, Melbourne. 6 August 2005 He remains a major shareholder of FMG, through his private company, The Metal Group.{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/forrest-takes-a-15bn-hit-20110930-1l1j9.html |title=Forrest takes a $1.5bn hit |date=1 October 2011 |author=Ker, Peter |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=14 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114223529/http://www.smh.com.au/business/forrest-takes-a-15bn-hit-20110930-1l1j9.html |url-status=live }}

One of Forrest's initial mines in the Pilbara produced and shipped $50 billion worth in iron ore, without ever providing compensation or receiving permission from the Yindjibarndi people to carry out mining on their land. The operations in the area destroyed about 250 cultural and sacred sites.{{Cite news |last=Mercer |first=Daniel |date=2023-08-13 |title=Sadness, anger as billionaire miner's legal battle with the Yindjibarndi puts native title rights on trial |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-13/native-title-rights-on-trial-fmg-yindjibarndi-andrew-forrest/102716272 |access-date=2023-08-13 |archive-date=13 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813111805/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-13/native-title-rights-on-trial-fmg-yindjibarndi-andrew-forrest/102716272 |url-status=live }}

Fortescue made its first iron ore shipment to China in May 2008. Fortescue increased its capacity to 155 million tonnes per annum through a $9.2 billion expansion in 2014. Since then, the company has grown to possess three times the tenements of its nearest rival in Western Australia's iron ore rich Pilbara region. Fortescue holds major deposits at Mount Nicholas, Christmas Creek, Cloudbreak, and Tongolo. In 2007, he took an interest and a directorship in Niagara Mining Limited, renamed Poseidon Nickel Limited, which had in 2006 acquired from WMC the Windara nickel deposits near Laverton, Western Australia.{{cite web |title=The Windarra Nickel Project Feasibility Study Overview |url=http://poseidon-nickel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/The-Windarra-Nickel-Project-Feasibility-Study-Overview-V4.pdf |publisher=Poseidon Nickel Limited |access-date=13 May 2019 |date=September 2013 |archive-date=17 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190317045636/http://poseidon-nickel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/The-Windarra-Nickel-Project-Feasibility-Study-Overview-V4.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/magnates-new-poseidon-adventure/2007/04/13/1175971360135.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |title=Magnate's new Poseidon adventure |date=14 April 2007 |access-date=19 August 2007 |archive-date=1 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701135945/http://www.smh.com.au/news/business/magnates-new-poseidon-adventure/2007/04/13/1175971360135.html |url-status=live }}

Forrest described the Gillard government proposed Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) as "economic vandalism"{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/business/andrew-forrest-warns-of-mrrt-high-court-challenge/story-e6frfm1i-1226074332180 |title=Fortescue's Andrew Forrest warns of minerals resource rent tax High Court challenge |author=Lawson, Rebecca |work=PerthNow |date=13 June 2011 |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=2 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902065458/http://www.news.com.au/business/andrew-forrest-warns-of-mrrt-high-court-challenge/story-e6frfm1i-1226074332180 |url-status=live }} and a "mad dog's breakfast"{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/andrew-wilkie-backs-andrew-forrests-mining-tax-bid/story-fn59niix-1226075256714 |title=Andrew Wilkie backs Andrew Forrest's mining tax bid |author1=Ryan, Siobhain |author2=Wilson, Lauren |work=The Australian |date=15 June 2011 }} that would drive up foreign resource ownership.{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/business/mining-tax-to-drive-up-foreign-resources-ownership-forrest-20110629-1gpym.html |title=Mining tax to drive up foreign resources ownership: Forrest |date=29 June 2011 |work=The Age |location=Melbourne |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=3 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803023337/http://www.theage.com.au/business/mining-tax-to-drive-up-foreign-resources-ownership-forrest-20110629-1gpym.html |url-status=live }} He stated he would challenge it in the High Court as being unconstitutional, as it discriminates against states, and fails to appropriately capture big producers BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/business/forrest-slams-unfair-tax-20110803-1ibkp.html |title=Forrest slams 'unfair' tax |author=Fitzgerald, Barry |date=4 August 2011 |location=Melbourne |work=The Age |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=30 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830061252/http://www.theage.com.au/business/forrest-slams-unfair-tax-20110803-1ibkp.html |url-status=live }} WA premier Colin Barnett has stated the state government would back constitutional action, admitting the tax had been suggested to him as a "sovereign risk". He was highly critical of the government's expenditure of $38M on an advertising campaign, that was not approved using the usual processes, as it had to "counter mining industry 'spin' about the resources super profits tax".

The former treasurer Wayne Swan said the big miners would pay at least A$2 billion tax, and wrote to the head of BDO Accounting, who modelled the claims Forrest used, noting they were "utterly unrealistic" and riddled with errors.{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/treasurer-lashes-forrests-tax-claim-20111108-1n5n7.html |title=Treasurer lashes Forrest's tax claim |date=9 November 2011 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=10 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111110024808/http://www.smh.com.au/national/treasurer-lashes-forrests-tax-claim-20111108-1n5n7.html |url-status=live }} Treasury concurred that they would be unable to release the assumptions underpinning its forecasts, as they were based on confidential information provided by the big miners. Gillard struck a deal with BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata to develop the MRRT.{{cite web |url=http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/mining-tax-protects-big-companies-only-twiggy-20111103-1mx3t.html |title=Mining tax protects big companies only: Twiggy |date=3 November 2011 |work=WA Today |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053204/http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/mining-tax-protects-big-companies-only-twiggy-20111103-1mx3t.html |url-status=live }} Independent MP Andrew Wilkie requested the government take Forrest's mining tax grievance to heart.

In August 2021, it was announced that Forrest would receive a $2.4 billion dividend on Fortescue's record profit.{{Cite web|title=Andrew Forrest takes home $2.4bn dividend on record Fortescue profit|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/andrew-forrest-takes-home-24bn-dividend-on-record-fortescue-profit/news-story/8c7a0ac61d696af4036342f64796481e|access-date=1 September 2021|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901170641/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/andrew-forrest-takes-home-24bn-dividend-on-record-fortescue-profit/news-story/8c7a0ac61d696af4036342f64796481e|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Tattarang}}

Tattarang is the holding company for the Forrest family’s private business interests. Tattarang invests in a diverse range of businesses across agri-food, energy, health technology, property, resources, and lifestyle. The group is made up of several business divisions: Fiveight, Harvest Road, Squadron Energy, Tenmile, Wyloo Metals, Z1Z,{{Cite web |title=Who We Are |url=https://www.tattarang.com/who-we-are/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Tattarang |language=en-AU |archive-date=3 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203165318/https://www.tattarang.com/who-we-are/ |url-status=live }} and Akubra.{{cite news |last1=Aishia |first1=Samantha |last2=Jambor |first2=Claudia |title=Akubra owners tip their hats to billionaire 'Twiggy' Forrest after selling him iconic brand |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-19/andrew-twiggy-forrest-buys-akubra-hat-company/103123226 |access-date=19 November 2023 |work=ABC Coffs Coast |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 November 2023 |language=en-AU |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119023151/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-19/andrew-twiggy-forrest-buys-akubra-hat-company/103123226 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Global Rapid Rugby}}

Following SANZAAR's decision to reduce the number of Super Rugby teams for 2018, the Australian Rugby Union (now Rugby Australia) announced in August 2017 that Perth-based rugby team Western Force would be one of the teams cut from the 2018 competition. In the following month, Forrest announced that he would create a new tournament called the Indo Pacific Rugby Championship which would include the Western Force and five other teams from the Indo-Pacific region.{{cite news |date=13 September 2017 |title=Indo Pacific Rugby Championship: Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest reveals details of new rugby competition |work=The Australian |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/andrew-twiggy-forrest-reveals-details-of-new-rugby-competition/news-story/123a67fa7fb93bd0df05b82eb8fbc85c |access-date=15 November 2018 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116100301/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/andrew-twiggy-forrest-reveals-details-of-new-rugby-competition/news-story/123a67fa7fb93bd0df05b82eb8fbc85c |url-status=live }} For the 2018 season, the competition was launched as World Series Rugby, played as a series of exhibition matches as the precursor to a wider Asia-Pacific competition planned for 2019.{{cite news |date=6 March 2018 |title=Western Force to return to action in World Series Rugby |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/22659958/western-force-return-action-world-series-rugby |access-date=22 March 2018 |archive-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313092253/http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/22659958/western-force-return-action-world-series-rugby |url-status=live }}

The competition was rebranded in November 2018 as Global Rapid Rugby. A season of fourteen matches was played in 2019. The 2020 Global Rapid Rugby season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic after only one completed round of competition.{{cite news |date=7 April 2020 |title=2020 Season cancelled |website=Channel News Asia |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/rapid-rugby-cancels-inaugural-season-due-to-coronavirus-12617056 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407080116/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/rapid-rugby-cancels-inaugural-season-due-to-coronavirus-12617056 |archive-date=7 April 2020}}

After buying back the family property, Minderoo Station in 2009 Forrest acquired the adjoining properties, Nanutarra and Uaroo Stations in 2014, increasing his total pastoral holdings in the Pilbara to {{convert|7300|km2|sqmi|0}}.{{cite web |author=Burrell, Andrew |date=1 March 2014 |title=Andrew Forrest buys up Pilbara stations in Stowe sale |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/andrew-forrest-buys-up-pilbara-stations-in-stowe-sale/story-e6frg8zx-1226841552995 |access-date=2 May 2014 |work=The Australian |archive-date=3 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303154355/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/andrew-forrest-buys-up-pilbara-stations-in-stowe-sale/story-e6frg8zx-1226841552995 |url-status=live }} In August 2015 he acquired both Brick House Station and Minilya Station for an estimated {{AUD}}10 million, bringing his total pastoral holdings to over {{convert|10000|km2|sqmi|0}}.{{cite web |author=Thompson, Brad |date=6 August 2015 |title=Forrest adds cattle stations in big cattle drive |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/countryman/a/29193245/forrest-adds-cattle-stations-in-big-cattle-drive/ |access-date=2 October 2015 |work=The West Australian |archive-date=4 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004113904/https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/countryman/a/29193245/forrest-adds-cattle-stations-in-big-cattle-drive/ |url-status=live }}

In 2020, Forrest acquired both Quanbun and neighbouring property, Jubilee Downs, in the Kimberley region of Western Australia for over {{AUD}}30 million.{{cite web |author1=Liveris, James |author2=Warriner, Jessica |date=9 July 2020 |title=Andrew Forrest buys Kimberley's Jubilee Downs and Quanbun Downs for more than $30 million |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-07-09/andrew-forrest-buys-jubilee-downs-quanbun-downs-for-30-million/12437842 |access-date=9 July 2020 |work=ABC News |location=Australia |archive-date=9 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709110609/https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-07-09/andrew-forrest-buys-jubilee-downs-quanbun-downs-for-30-million/12437842 |url-status=live }}

{{Further|Anteris Technologies}}

In 2005, a medical equipment distribution company called Allied Medical was spun out of Fortescue Metals Group.{{Cite web |last=Thomson |first=James |date=2010-07-18 |title=Medical company backed by mining billionaire Andrew Forrest launches biotech investment push |url=https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/wealth-management/20100719-medical-company-backed-by-mining-billionaire-andrew-forrest-launches-biotech-investment-push/ |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=SmartCompany |language=en-AU |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317130330/https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/wealth-management/20100719-medical-company-backed-by-mining-billionaire-andrew-forrest-launches-biotech-investment-push/ |url-status=live }} Forrest was a director of the company. In June 2011, Allied Medical, of which Forrest owned a 46 percent stake in, was acquired by biotechnology company BioMD.{{cite web |author=Stafford, Patrick |date=21 June 2011 |title=Andrew Forrest-backed biotech lists on ASX |url=http://www.smartcompany.com.au/health-and-pharmaceuticals/20110621-andrew-forrest-backed-biotech-lists-on-asx.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216223714/http://www.smartcompany.com.au/health-and-pharmaceuticals/20110621-andrew-forrest-backed-biotech-lists-on-asx.html |archive-date=16 December 2011 |work=SmartCompany}} Forrest retained an approximate 17–18 percent stake in the combined company, Allied Healthcare Group, after the takeover.{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Nick |date=2011-02-15 |title=Forrest biotech company to list |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/wa-biotech-biomd-makes-play-for-allied-medical-ng-4f19d2d5d636c7f65676a1ae890dafd3 |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=PerthNow |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317130331/https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/wa-biotech-biomd-makes-play-for-allied-medical-ng-4f19d2d5d636c7f65676a1ae890dafd3 |url-status=live }} Allied Healthcare Group eventually became structural heart company Anteris Technologies.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Sean |date=2013-11-21 |title=Allied rebrands as Admedus |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/finance/allied-rebrands-as-admedus-ng-ya-361416 |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=The West Australian |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317130333/https://thewest.com.au/business/finance/allied-rebrands-as-admedus-ng-ya-361416 |url-status=live }}{{Cite press release |title=Admedus Changes Name to Anteris Technologies Ltd |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/06/01/2041299/0/en/Admedus-Changes-Name-to-Anteris-Technologies-Ltd.html |date=2020-06-01 |publisher=GlobalNewswire |access-date=2023-03-25}}

Forrest has an Australian Centenary Medal, Australian Sports Medal, was awarded the 2017 Western Australian of the Year Award, and the 2018 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Alumni Social Impact Award.{{cite web |url=http://www.eoy.ey.com.au/andrew-forrest-fortescue-metals-group/w1/i1609853/ |title=Andrew Forrest – Fortescue Metals Group |publisher=Ernst & Young |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=25 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425135040/http://www.eoy.ey.com.au/andrew-forrest-fortescue-metals-group/w1/i1609853/ |url-status=dead }}

In 2017 Forrest was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the mining sector, to the development of employment and business opportunities, as a supporter of sustainable foreign investment, and to philanthropy.{{Cite It's an Honour |ausawardid=1154613 |date=26 January 2017 |recipient=Mr John Andrew FORREST |award=Officer of the Order of Australia |postnominal=AO |citation=For distinguished service to the mining sector, to the development of employment and business opportunities, as a supporter of sustainable foreign investment, and to philanthropy. |access-date=25 December 2020 }}

In 2019 Forrest was awarded a PhD in Marine Science from the University of Western Australia,{{cite news |author=Hamish Hastie |date=5 December 2019 |title=The doctor is in: Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest gets PhD in marine science |agency=Sydney Morning Herald |location=Australia |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/the-doctor-is-in-andrew-twiggy-forrest-gets-phd-in-marine-science-20191205-p53hcr.html |access-date=1 Feb 2021 |archive-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124163110/https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/the-doctor-is-in-andrew-twiggy-forrest-gets-phd-in-marine-science-20191205-p53hcr.html |url-status=live }} and has a strong interest in maintaining the health of the oceans.

Forrest is well-connected in political, business, and sporting circles.{{cite web|url=http://www.thepowerindex.com.au/circles/twiggy-s-friends-in-high-places/20110816283 |title=Twiggy's got friends in high places |first=Tom |last=Cowie |work=The Power Index |date=16 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130203557/http://www.thepowerindex.com.au/circles/twiggy-s-friends-in-high-places/20110816283 |archive-date=30 November 2011 }} He is an adjunct professor at the Chinese Southern University and a fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy. He is a former director of Australia's Export Finance and Insurance Corporation and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, and former chairman of Athletics Australia.

He has addressed the Queensland University of Technology,{{cite web|url=http://www.news.qut.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/News.woa/wa/goNewsPage?newsEventID=35808|title=Andrew Forrest to address QUT Business Leaders' Forum|date=10 May 2011|publisher=Queensland University of Technology|access-date=11 December 2011|archive-date=31 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110731044000/http://www.news.qut.edu.au/cgi-bin/WebObjects/News.woa/wa/goNewsPage?newsEventID=35808|url-status=live}} and Christians in the Marketplace.{{cite web|url=http://citm.org.au/andrew-forrest/ |title=Upcoming event breakfast with Andrew Forrest |date=1 May 2010 |publisher=Christians in the Marketplace |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110302222231/http://citm.org.au/andrew-forrest/ |archive-date=2 March 2011 }}

He gave the 2020 Boyer Lecture to outline a case for hydrogen energy and ways to manage human impacts on the oceans.{{cite news |last1=Forrest |first1=Andrew |url=https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/boyerlectures/andrew-forrest-ao/13072386 |title=Boyer Lectures with Dr Andrew Forrest AO |date=31 Jan 2021 |agency=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=1 February 2021 |archive-date=23 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123034803/https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/boyerlectures/andrew-forrest-ao/13072386 |url-status=live }}

Andrew and Nicola Forrest made The Giving Pledge in 2013, promising to give away at least half of their wealth to charity. They stated:{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Katie |last2=Forrestal |first2=Luke |date=20 February 2013 |title=Twiggy joins Buffett in billionaires' pledge |url=http://www.afr.com/p/national/twiggy_joins_buffett_in_billionaires_vTmyKjhDHj0XoSodEaKPIJ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728212110/http://www.afr.com/p/national/twiggy_joins_buffett_in_billionaires_vTmyKjhDHj0XoSodEaKPIJ |archive-date=28 July 2014 |access-date=22 May 2013 |work=Australian Financial Review}}{{cite web |url=https://givingpledge.org/Pledger.aspx?id=196 |title=Andrew and Nicola Forrest |work=The Giving Pledge |date=February 2013 |access-date=23 June 2017 |archive-date=19 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819191400/https://givingpledge.org/Pledger.aspx?id=196 |url-status=live }}

{{blockquote|"We hope to help empower individuals and families currently suffering the despair of poverty, slavery and the lack of opportunity for themselves and their children. We feel that if we all do whatever we can with whatever we have, large or small, then each of us will help make our world a more equitable and positive environment for others to thrive in."|Andrew and Nicola Forrest, February 2013}}

After stepping down as chief executive officer of FMG, Forrest noted that he had been spending more than 50% of his time on Indigenous philanthropy.{{cite web |url=http://www.businessday.com.au/business/im-not-stepping-down-because-of-asic-forrest-20110601-1ffeq.html |title=I'm not stepping down because of ASIC: Forrest |date=1 June 2011 |work=BusinessDay |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=17 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117230020/http://www.businessday.com.au/business/im-not-stepping-down-because-of-asic-forrest-20110601-1ffeq.html |url-status=live }} Forrest became an ambassador for the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation.{{cite web|url=http://www.aief.com.au/Our-Story/Our-People.aspx |title=Our People |publisher=Australian Indigenous Education Foundation |year=2011 |access-date=7 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903123611/http://www.aief.com.au/Our-Story/Our-People.aspx |archive-date=3 September 2011 }} Encouraged by the philanthropy of the Rockefeller Group, Warren Buffett, and Melinda and Bill Gates,{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/billionaire-gives-80m-to-underprivileged-kids/story-e6frfkvr-1111114465802|title=Billionaire gives $80M to underprivileged kids|publisher=The Australian|first=Elizabeth|last=Gosch|date=21 September 2007|access-date=11 December 2011|archive-date=31 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531033449/http://www.news.com.au/national/billionaire-gives-80m-to-underprivileged-kids/story-e6frfkvr-1111114465802|url-status=live}} Andrew and Nicola Forrest established the Australian Children's Trust in 2001.{{cite web|url=http://eoy.ey.com.au/andrew-nicola-forrest-national/w1/i1039825/|title=Andrew & Nicola Forrest (National) – Entrepreneur of the Year|publisher=Ernst & Young|access-date=11 December 2011|archive-date=26 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426043826/http://eoy.ey.com.au/andrew-nicola-forrest-national/w1/i1039825/|url-status=dead}}

Through the influence of Scotty Black, Forrest started the GenerationOne project,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1kNmyOsRks |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/z1kNmyOsRks |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=WIN News on GenerationOne and Andrew Forrest|publisher=Generation One|date=4 May 2010}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/andrew-forrests-dance-of-destiny-with-aboriginal-mentor/story-e6frg2r3-1225884637369 |title=Andrew Forrest's dance of destiny with Aboriginal mentor |author=Rule, Billy |work=Sunday Times |location=Western Australia |date=26 June 2010 |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=7 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120407003901/http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/andrew-forrests-dance-of-destiny-with-aboriginal-mentor/story-e6frg2r3-1225884637369 |url-status=live }} with assistance from James Packer and Kerry Stokes, who each donated {{AUD}}2 million, along with the support of their respective media stations, Channel 9 and Channel 7.{{cite web |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/business-old/james-packer-joins-andrew-forrest-to-ease-plight-of-jobless/story-e6frg2qu-1225832728419 |title=James Packer joins Andrew Forrest to ease plight of jobless |work=The Sunday Telegraph |date=21 February 2010 |location=Australia |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-date=17 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317083313/http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/business-old/james-packer-joins-andrew-forrest-to-ease-plight-of-jobless/story-e6frg2qu-1225832728419 |url-status=live }} GenerationOne and the Australian Children's Trust help to create sustainable solutions on addressing social disadvantage.{{cite web|url=http://www.csi.edu.au/site/Knowledge_Centre/Asset.aspx?assetid=be494e2af6c0d7c3 |title=Andrew Forrest Yakety Yak interview |date=27 May 2011 |publisher=The Centre for Social Impact |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406203406/http://www.csi.edu.au/site/Knowledge_Centre/Asset.aspx?assetid=be494e2af6c0d7c3 |archive-date=6 April 2012 }} With Kevin Rudd, Forrest launched the Australian Employment Covenant, that campaigned for businesses to hire Indigenous Australians, as they could "add value" to Australian businesses because they were "professional and reliable and wonderful" and that there is no reason for Indigenous disparity.{{cite web|url=http://www.campusdaily.com.au/read_university_news.php?title=end_indigenous_disadvantage_with_jobs_andrew_forrest_30085 |title=End Indigenous disadvantage with jobs: Andrew Forrest |date=20 June 2011 |publisher=Campus Daily |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406234654/http://www.campusdaily.com.au/read_university_news.php?title=end_indigenous_disadvantage_with_jobs_andrew_forrest_30085 |archive-date=6 April 2012 }} GenerationOne ran a series of television advertisements privately funded by Forrest, Packer and Stokes.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/news/andrew-twiggy-forrest-urges-big-business-to-hire-indigenous-australians/story-e6frg906-1225842841164|title=Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest urges big business to hire indigenous Australians|first=Drew|last=Warne-Smith|date=19 March 2009|work=The Australian|access-date=11 December 2011|archive-date=9 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409105225/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/news/andrew-twiggy-forrest-urges-big-business-to-hire-indigenous-australians/story-e6frg906-1225842841164|url-status=live}} Between 2008 and 2011, Forrest obtained 253 business signatories to his covenant. With Rudd, Forrest planned to employ 50,000 Aboriginal people.{{cite news|url=http://www.watoday.com.au/national/pm-backs-forrests-aboriginal-job-plan-20080804-3phf.html|work=WA Today|title=PM backs Forrest's aboriginal job plan|date=4 August 2008|access-date=21 March 2009|archive-date=10 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080810215633/http://www.watoday.com.au/national/pm-backs-forrests-aboriginal-job-plan-20080804-3phf.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/screams-in-the-night-spur-magnate-into-action/2008/10/03/1223013791382.html|title=Screams in the night spur magnate into action|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=4 October 2008|access-date=6 December 2011}} As the two-year deadline approached, estimates put the number of Indigenous job placements under the scheme at around 2,800, well short of the original goal.{{cite journal|url=http://apo.org.au/research/corporate-initiatives-indigenous-employment-australian-employment-covenant-two-years|title=Corporate initiatives in Indigenous employment: The Australian Employment Covenant two years on|journal=Apo|date=6 August 2015|publisher=Australian Policy Online|last1=Jordan|first1=Kirrily|last2=Mavec|first2=Dante|access-date=6 August 2015|archive-date=19 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819191110/http://apo.org.au/research/corporate-initiatives-indigenous-employment-australian-employment-covenant-two-years|url-status=live}}

Forrest is opposed to welfare dependency for Indigenous Australians.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2011/s3272125.htm |title=Iron and Dust |work=Four Corners |date=18 July 2011 |format=transcript |publisher=ABC TV |access-date=11 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127122635/http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2011/s3272125.htm |archive-date=27 November 2011 |url-status=dead }} He has recounted stories of young Aboriginal girls in the Pilbara offering men sex for cigarettes, leading to five indigenous women from the region collectively lodging a complaint with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission that Forrest's comment was racist and vilified the community.{{cite web|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/fmgs-andrew-forrest-faces-human-rights-complaint/story-e6frg14u-1226117402496|title=FMG's Andrew Forrest faces human rights complaint|first=Lloyd|last=Jones|publisher=PerthNow|date=18 April 2011|access-date=11 December 2011|archive-date=17 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617130051/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/fmgs-andrew-forrest-faces-human-rights-complaint/story-e6frg14u-1226117402496|url-status=live}} Forrest has been publicly accused of engaging in questionable methods of land acquisition,{{cite web|url=http://vimeo.com/21871850 |title=FMG's Great Native Title Swindle |publisher=Vimeo |format=streaming audio |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411062816/http://vimeo.com/21871850 |archive-date=11 April 2011 }}{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-20/fmg-accused-of-rigging-meeting/4382826 |title=Fortescue accused of rigging land rights deal |work=7.30 |publisher=ABC TV |date=24 December 2012 |access-date=23 June 2017 |author=Herbert, Bronwyn |archive-date=6 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506004213/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-20/fmg-accused-of-rigging-meeting/4382826 |url-status=live }} and has had accusations levelled at his company for failing Indigenous trainees at FMG's vocational training centre in Port Hedland.{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-17/pilbara-mining-jobs-conditions/2844066 |title=Indigenous trainees left to sleep rough |work=PM |publisher=ABC Radio |location=Australia |date=18 August 2011 |access-date=23 June 2017 |author=Waters, Jeff |archive-date=30 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030173014/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-17/pilbara-mining-jobs-conditions/2844066 |url-status=live }}

In 2013, Forrest was chosen to lead an Australian Government review into Indigenous employment and training programs.{{cite news|title=Forrest to review Indigenous employment training programs|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/10/08/forrest-review-indigenous-employment-training-programs|access-date=30 October 2017|work=NITV News|date=8 October 2013|language=en|archive-date=19 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819221636/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/10/08/forrest-review-indigenous-employment-training-programs|url-status=live}} Delivered on 1 August 2014 with 27 recommendations,{{cite web|title=Indigenous Jobs and Training Review|url=https://www.pmc.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/employment/indigenous-jobs-and-training-review|website=pmc.gov.au|access-date=30 October 2017|language=en|date=23 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101081031/https://www.pmc.gov.au/indigenous-affairs/employment/indigenous-jobs-and-training-review|archive-date=1 November 2017|url-status=dead}} the review proposed the creation of the Cashless Welfare Card.{{cite web|last1=Moran|first1=Mark|last2=Go-Sam|first2=Carroll|author-link2=Carroll Go-Sam|title=Healthy Welfare Card begins here ... where next?|url=https://theconversation.com/healthy-welfare-card-begins-here-where-next-50756|website=The Conversation|access-date=30 October 2017|language=en|date=15 November 2015|archive-date=7 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207222740/http://theconversation.com/healthy-welfare-card-begins-here-where-next-50756|url-status=live}}

Forrest's daughter, Grace volunteered at an orphanage in Nepal and discovered the children she had looked after had been trafficked to be sex slaves in the Middle East. This distressed Grace and motivated her father to act.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/andrew-forrests-dream-to-stop-all-slavery-20140317-34y2g.html|title=Andrew Forrest's dream to stop all slavery|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=18 March 2014|author=Miller, Nick|access-date=19 March 2014|archive-date=20 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320122528/http://www.smh.com.au/national/andrew-forrests-dream-to-stop-all-slavery-20140317-34y2g.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/18/andrew-forrest-signs-up-religious-forces-to-fight-slavery-and-trafficking|title=Andrew Forrest signs up religious forces to fight slavery and trafficking|work=The Guardian|date=18 March 2014|author=Milman, Oliver|location=Australia}} Grace, aged 21 years, said at a 2014 interfaith meeting held at the Vatican, "I feel like a puppet for hundreds of thousands of girls who are voiceless – if I can stand for them, that is what I'm here to do."{{Cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/australian-grace-forrest-inspires-pope-francis-and-other-world-religious-leaders-to-sign-pledge-to-eradicate-slavery-by-2020-20141202-11ytpw.html |title=Australian Grace Forrest inspires Pope Francis and other world religious leaders to sign pledge to eradicate slavery by 2020 |access-date=3 December 2014 |archive-date=14 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214175849/http://www.smh.com.au/world/australian-grace-forrest-inspires-pope-francis-and-other-world-religious-leaders-to-sign-pledge-to-eradicate-slavery-by-2020-20141202-11ytpw.html |url-status=live }}

Forrest established the Walk Free Foundation in 2010 to fight modern slavery.{{Cite web | url=http://www.walkfree.org/about/ | title=Walk Free | the Minderoo Foundation | access-date=16 February 2014 | archive-date=17 February 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217122326/http://www.walkfree.org/about/ | url-status=live }} In 2013 the organisation launched the Global Slavery Index ranking 162 countries "based on a combined measure of three factors: estimated prevalence of modern slavery by population, a measure of child marriage, and a measure of human trafficking in and out of a country".{{Cite web | url=http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/about/#about | title=The Index | Global Slavery Index | access-date=16 February 2014 | archive-date=22 February 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222191054/http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/about/#about | url-status=live }} The Index estimates there are 29 million slaves worldwide, roughly half in India and Pakistan. In January 2014, Forrest announced a deal with Pakistan to do away with more than two million slaves in return for cheap coal.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/andrew-forrest-strikes-cheap-coal-deal-to-end-pakistan-slavery/story-e6frg9df-1226808181875#|title=Andrew Forrest strikes cheap coal deal to end Pakistan slavery|work=The Australian|date=23 January 2014}}

Forrest founded the Global Freedom Network that the Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Grand Imam of al-Azhar lead. The Global Freedom Network works to stop all religious faiths from using organisations involved with slavery in their supply chain.

{{Blockquote|When I heard the news [that all parties had agreed to the venture] I have to admit I became emotional. This is going to change everything. This is set up like a high-achieving, measurement-driven, totally target-oriented company, it's like a hard-edged business. We are out to defeat slavery, we are not out to feel good. This is our mission. You see the complete hopelessness in the eyes [of enslaved people]. It’s like I’m stuck, I will never get help, I am dirt. Then you know that you can’t rest until you free them.|Andrew Forrest, interviewed in 2014}}

In 2014 Andrew and Grace Forrest attended a meeting held in the Vatican, being a Joint Religious Leaders Declaration Against Modern Slavery. The anti-slavery declaration was signed by Pope Francis, Mata Amritanandamayi, Justin Welby, Thích Nhất Hạnh, K. Sri Dhammananda, David Rosen, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Abraham Skorka, Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi, Basheer Hussain al-Najafi, and Omar Abboud{{spaced endash}}religious leaders representing forms of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, urged consumers to demand more information about whether forced labour was involved in goods they bought.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/02/religious-leaders-pope-vatican-slavery-declaration |title=Pope and Welby joined by imams and rabbis for anti-slavery declaration |date=2 December 2014 |access-date=24 December 2020 |work=The Guardian }}

{{as of|2007|09}}, Forrest had injected {{AUD}}90 million into his children's charity. Philanthropic activity has included gifts to his alma mater, Hale School;{{cite journal|url=http://www.hale.wa.edu.au/News-And-Events/Publications/Pages/haleianmagazine.aspx |journal=The Haleian |volume=21 |number=2 |date=November 2009 |pages=8–9 |title=Forrest library unrelieved |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118010254/http://www.hale.wa.edu.au/News-And-Events/Publications/Pages/haleianmagazine.aspx |archive-date=18 January 2012 }} participation in the St Vincent de Paul Society CEO sleepouts;{{cite web|url=http://www.ceosleepout.org.au/2011/04/andrew-forrest-talks-homelessness-today-2/ |title=Andrew Forrest talks homelessness today |publisher=CEO Sleep Out |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206082932/http://www.ceosleepout.org.au/2011/04/andrew-forrest-talks-homelessness-today-2/ |archive-date=6 February 2012 }} and a gift from the proceeds of the sale of {{convert|5000|tonnes|ST}} of iron ore to the Chinese earthquake relief effort.{{cite web |author=Weber |first=David |date=15 May 2008 |title=Fortescue Metals loads first iron ore shipment |url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2008/s2246194.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119175944/http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2008/s2246194.htm |archive-date=2022-11-19 |access-date=11 April 2024 |work=PM (ABC Radio) |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}} In October 2013 it was announced that Forrest was to donate {{AUD}}65 million towards higher education in Western Australia. At the time the sum was believed to be the highest philanthropic donation in Australia, with most going toward funding scholarships.{{cite web|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/19390442/forrest-to-donate-65m-for-wa-education/|title=Forrest to donate $65m for WA education|date=14 October 2013|access-date=14 October 2013|work=The West Australian|publisher=Yahoo7|archive-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016012437/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/19390442/forrest-to-donate-65m-for-wa-education/|url-status=live}}

The Minderoo Foundation, Forrest's private foundation, was renamed as the Minderoo Group is to be expanded to include higher education contributions. The foundation has given {{AUD}}270 million through the foundation since 2001. In 2014, Andrew and Nicola Forrest pledged {{AUD}}65 million over ten years through the Minderoo Foundation, establishing the Forrest Research Foundation to offer scholarships to students pursuing a PhD at a Western Australian university.{{Cite press release|url=http://www.news.uwa.edu.au/201505297657/alumni/forrest-foundation-research-scholarships-attract-worlds-best-minds|title=Forrest Research Foundation Scholarships attract world's best minds|publisher=The University of Western Australia|access-date=23 February 2017|language=en|archive-date=18 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318160041/http://www.news.uwa.edu.au/201505297657/alumni/forrest-foundation-research-scholarships-attract-worlds-best-minds|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.forrestresearch.org.au/about/the-foundation|title=The Foundation: The Forrest Research Foundation|website=forrestresearch.org.au|access-date=23 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316003134/http://www.forrestresearch.org.au/about/the-foundation|archive-date=16 March 2018|url-status=dead}} In 2017 Forrest donated {{AUD}}400 million to medical research and social causes,{{cite web | url=https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/business-giant-andrew-forrest-to-unveil-biggest-charitable-donation-in-australian-history/news-story/36968131ac4b364358d5f037258017d9 | title=Australian business giant Andrew Forrest to unveil biggest charitable donation in Australian history | date=22 May 2017 | work=News.com.au | access-date=21 May 2019 | archive-date=4 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304163525/https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/business-giant-andrew-forrest-to-unveil-biggest-charitable-donation-in-australian-history/news-story/36968131ac4b364358d5f037258017d9 | url-status=live }} and in 2019 donated a further {{AUD}}655 million to expand the existing work of the Minderoo Foundation in areas including cancer research, early childhood development, ocean health, and eliminating modern slavery, the largest ever living donation by any Australian philanthropist.{{cite news |last1=Michael |first1=Luke |title=Forrests set Australian donation record… again |url=https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2019/05/forrests-set-australian-donation-record-again/ |access-date=22 May 2019 |publisher=Pro Bono Australia |date=7 May 2019 |archive-date=12 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512011351/https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2019/05/forrests-set-australian-donation-record-again/ |url-status=live }}

In 1991, Forrest married Nicola Maurice who grew up on a farm in central western New South Wales; the family raised sheep and cattle and grew wheat.{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Brad |date=11 September 2020 |title=Nicola Forrest, the woman with $20b to give away |url=https://www.afr.com/wealth/people/nicola-forrest-the-woman-with-20b-to-give-away-20200831-p55quf |access-date=11 April 2024 |work=Australian Financial Review |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202183454/https://www.afr.com/wealth/people/nicola-forrest-the-woman-with-20b-to-give-away-20200831-p55quf |url-status=live }} They have four children, including Sophia.{{Citation |title=The Undercover Billionaire |date=2022-04-25 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-21/the-undercover-billionaire-nicola-forrest/13849966 |publisher=ABC News |language=en-AU |access-date=2022-12-03 |archive-date=3 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203165315/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-21/the-undercover-billionaire-nicola-forrest/13849966 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/sophia-forrest-i-couldnt-think-of-anything-worse-than-fame-im-here-to-make-a-difference-20170629-gx11ng.html|title=Andrew Forrest donated his daughter Sophia's inheritance and she couldn't be happier|last=Clarke|first=Jenna|date=1 July 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=24 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227080844/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/sophia-forrest-i-couldnt-think-of-anything-worse-than-fame-im-here-to-make-a-difference-20170629-gx11ng.html|archive-date=27 February 2018|url-status=dead}} In July 2023, after 31 years of marriage, Andrew and Nicola announced their separation.{{cite web | url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/andrew-forrest-nicola-forrest-separation-mining-couple-announce-split/77f58b60-a45c-4320-b25d-632f4800022f | title=Andrew Twiggy Forrest and Nicola Forrest separation: Mining couple announce split | access-date=12 July 2023 | archive-date=12 July 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712144843/https://amp.9news.com.au/article/77f58b60-a45c-4320-b25d-632f4800022f | url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Ireland |first=Olivia |date=2023-07-12 |title=Billionaire Andrew Forrest and wife Nicola split after 31 years |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/billionaire-andrew-forrest-and-wife-nicola-split-after-31-years-20230712-p5dnub.html |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}

Forrest purchased the {{convert|58.2|m|adj=on}} superyacht Pangaea in 2018. Built by US shipyard Halter Marine in 1999, the yacht is registered in Montego Bay, Jamaica.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-04|title=Twiggy Forrest's explorer superyacht spotted in Sydney Harbour|url=https://www.bosshunting.com.au/motors/andrew-twiggy-forrest-yacht-pangea/|access-date=2020-11-05|website=Boss Hunting|language=en-US|archive-date=4 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104062946/https://www.bosshunting.com.au/motors/andrew-twiggy-forrest-yacht-pangea/|url-status=live}} Forrest turned the yacht into an ocean research vessel for the Minderoo Foundation, with multiple laboratories and specialist research equipment installed since its purchase.{{Cite news |last=Garvey |first=Paul |date=2023-03-01 |title=Andrew Forrest's Pangaea Ocean Explorer expeditions to be partly funded by taxpayers |work=The Australian |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/andrew-forrests-pangaea-ocean-explorer-expeditions-to-be-partly-funded-by-taxpayers/news-story/a758ae622b74f145a0a3933c0debac3b |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-03-03}}

In December 2015, Forrest purchased the heritage-listed Tukurua mansion in Cottesloe for $16 million.{{Cite web |last=Pownall |first=Angela |date=2015-12-18 |title=Forrest buys Cott mansion for $16m |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/finance/forrest-buys-cott-mansion-for-16m-ng-ya-134236 |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=The West Australian |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111052516/https://thewest.com.au/business/finance/forrest-buys-cott-mansion-for-16m-ng-ya-134236 |url-status=live }} The Forrest family housed refugees at the home for a period of time after the purchase. A restoration and development of additional buildings was completed in 2019.{{Cite web |last=Pownall |first=Angela |date=2017-05-19 |title='Twiggy' looks to expand Cottesloe icon |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/andrew-twiggy-forrest-looks-to-expand-historic-cottesloe-property-tukurua-ng-32df1c398df05c3777595ece89cc7d1a |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=PerthNow |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111052516/https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/wa/andrew-twiggy-forrest-looks-to-expand-historic-cottesloe-property-tukurua-ng-32df1c398df05c3777595ece89cc7d1a |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Kim |date=2019-06-22 |title=Inside Twiggy Forrest's amazing new beachhouse compound |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/property/inside-tukurua-estate-the-lavish-home-of-billionaire-andrew-twiggy-forrest-taking-shape-ng-b881235757z |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=The West Australian |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111052512/https://thewest.com.au/business/property/inside-tukurua-estate-the-lavish-home-of-billionaire-andrew-twiggy-forrest-taking-shape-ng-b881235757z |url-status=live }} In 2022, Forrest purchased the nearby heritage-listed Le Fanu House.{{Cite web |last=Dietsch |first=Jake |date=2022-09-02 |title=REVEALED: Billionaire buys historic Cottesloe mansion |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/business/property/le-fanu-andrew-twiggy-forrest-confirmed-as-buyer-for-opulent-cottesloe-mansion-c-8102423 |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=PerthNow |language=en |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111052511/https://www.perthnow.com.au/business/property/le-fanu-andrew-twiggy-forrest-confirmed-as-buyer-for-opulent-cottesloe-mansion-c-8102423 |url-status=live }}

Forrest is a Christian.

• {{note|1|1}}: Net worth was aggregated with Nicola Forrest, prior to 2024.

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{{external media

|video1= [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hTeF4Yx1Pc&t=930s ‘Twiggy’ Forrest and Cherie Blaire call for tougher modern slavery laws], Matter of Fact with Stan Grant, ABC News

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• [https://givingpledge.org/Pledger.aspx?id=196 Andrew & Nicola Forrest Giving Pledge]
• [https://archive.today/20121127141849/http://www.fiftythousandjobs.org.au/ Australian Employment Covenant]
• [http://generationone.org.au/ GenerationOne]
• [http://minderoo.com.au Minderoo Foundation]
• [https://www.forbes.com/profile/andrew-forrest/ Official profile] on Forbes
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080102084425/http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/s646583.htm Transcript of Four Corners interview 12 August 2002]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Forrest, Andrew}}

Category:1961 births

Category:Australian billionaires

Category:Australian Christians

Category:Australian stock traders

Category:Fortescue Metals Group

Category:21st-century Australian philanthropists

Category:Living people

Category:People educated at Christ Church Grammar School

Category:People educated at Hale School

Category:Businesspeople from Perth, Western Australia

Category:University of Western Australia alumni

Category:Australian mining businesspeople

Category:Officers of the Order of Australia

Category:Rugby union chairmen and investors

Category:Australian miners

Category:Australian company founders

Category:Mining company founders

Category:Founders of charities

Category:Energy company founders

Category:Australian sports owners