Billionaire battle heads to Canberra

Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has been drawn into the public spat between Perth billionaires Andrew Forrest and Kerry Stokes.

Fortescue Future Industries chief executive Mark Hutchinson wrote to Ms Rowland’s office this week raising concerns about what he alleged was a misuse of Seven West Media’s assets to achieve commercial interests.

Seven Group, which boasts Kerry Stokes as a majority shareholder, owns WesTrac and a big slice of Seven West Media.

Earlier this week, Business News revealed Mr Forrest had voiced frustration to Fortescue staff about his treatment in the media, citing a personal falling out with Mr Stokes over a trucking contract.

In Mr Hutchinson’s letter, he said Fortescue would welcome a chance to meet with the minister and brief her on the matter.

Diversity of media ownership would be a key issue, he said in the letter, as would the public’s access to balanced and accurate reporting.

A spokesperson for Ms Rowland confirmed she had received a letter from Fortescue Future Industries and said it was being given due consideration.

Seven West is the state’s biggest media provider, with Perth’s major daily newspaper The West Australian, the Seven television network, community news assets and The Sunday Times.

The newspaper carried a front-page defence of its reporting on Thursday.

“Australia’s richest man Andrew Forrest directed some strong words yesterday at The West’s coverage of Fortescue Metals Group,” editor-in-chief Anthony De Ceglie wrote.

“It must be noted it came after our stories holding FMG to account when WorkSafe was forced to take the serious step of laying charges over one of WA’s biggest companies refusing to release documents relating to alleged sexual harassment at its sites.

“What Mr Forrest’s various comments did not include were any specifics.

“I stand by our reporting, by our journalists, by the stories we choose to pursue and how we do so.”