Street sweeper Shaun Turner says he speaks for 'silent majority' after questioning use of Acknowledgement to Country during Darebin Council work meeting
Shaun Turner, 60, last week won his unfair dismissal case against Darebin Council after he was let go when he asked why the ritual was being introduced at a toolbox meeting.
He had argued in the meeting "people who have worn the uniform and fought" for Australia are the ones that should be thanked, later telling councillors he did not have to be "welcomed into my own country" and that the use of it was "getting out of hand".
The council alleged Mr Turner said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people "do not deserve an acknowledgement at the start of meetings" in a disrespectful way.
But the Fair Work Commission found Mr Turner's way of expression was not aggressive, as claimed by the council, and that his opinion did not warrant being sacked.
Speaking to The Australian, who first reported the story, the father-of-three said the use of Acknowledgement to Country in small meetings was "pushing it too far".
Mr Turner doubled down on previous remarks that the ceremony should be reserved for special occasions and foreign dignitaries when they visit the country.
"I think the silent majority who won't just say anything, but they probably all think the same way but they don't want to upset the apple cart," he said.
Asked if Australia has become "too politically correct", the council worker said "it's all gone too far the other way and people have just had enough now".
'I just feel like if you were a pale, stale male you can't go to work now and have a laugh. If me and you are having a laugh, and he (a third person) takes it to management, well, next minute we're getting a warning for not being inclusive," he said.
Mr Turner, who voted for the Liberal Party at the federal election, said often people jump jump to accusations of racism if they question the Welcome to Country.
But he insisted he has "no problem with Aboriginal people".
The Fair Work Commission is still considering whether the worker from Research, northeast of Melbourne's outskirts, should be compensated or be given his job back.
Mr Turner is unsure whether he wants to continue in the role again due to a painful shoulder condition that had left him on WorkCover prior to being sacked.
He would consider being redeployed to another role and/or compensation.
Overnight, Senator Pauline Hanson praised Mr Turner for speaking his mind.
"That council worker, good on him for actually fighting back over it and questioning it. And yet he's lost his job. He's won it in the courts and I hope that they actually apologise to him and offer his job back," Senator Hanson told Sky News' Danica and James.
It comes after a poll from the Institute of Public Affairs over the weekend found 56 per cent of people surveyed say Welcome to Country Ceremonies are divisive.
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How my perspective as a non-Indigenous person was profoundly changed
On Tuesday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission's remarkable four-year journey ended with the publication of its final reports and public record. Yoorrook was the first formal truth-telling inquiry into injustices against First Peoples in Victoria. Led by four First Peoples Commissioners and a non-Indigenous Commissioner, it changed Victoria for the better and will continue to do so. Governments around Australia should learn from their experience and embrace truth-telling. Yoorrook engaged with more than 9000 First Peoples, received more than 1300 submissions, held public hearings with hundreds of witnesses and reached millions via media, social media, events and more. Its reports lay bare the historic and ongoing injustice caused by colonisation, told from First Peoples' perspectives. They also offer a clear path forward, grounded in truth, justice and First Peoples' leadership. As a non-Indigenous person, I was privileged to work for two years as Yoorrook's CEO. The experience profoundly changed my perspective and understanding. This is the power of truth-telling. Yoorrook dealt with deep injustice. I saw trauma handed down over generations and understandable anger. I also saw immense pride in Aboriginal culture, and despite all the harm, an incredible willingness to share it. Yoorrook reinforced the importance of culture. First Peoples in Victoria who survived the waves of colonial violence and disease were typically forced from their country, onto missions or the fringes of white society. Culture and language were suppressed. Children with European blood were removed from their families and communities and told that Aboriginality was bad. This is why it's so painful when First Peoples have their identity questioned by non-Indigenous people. It's also why work to strengthen culture and rebuild languages is so important. Research like the landmark Mayi Kuwayu Study confirms that when First Peoples are strong in culture and identity, they are strong in health and wellbeing. I saw so much strength and excellence. There was incredible advocacy and resistance and tenacious and effective leadership. I saw deep environmental knowledge and care for country as well as creative and sporting brilliance. I saw entrepreneurship and business excellence, huge family and community networks and a deep enduring respect for elders and ancestors. There is so much that non-Indigenous society can learn from. Yoorrook helped me to better understand that country is everything for First Peoples. As Gomeroi woman Nikkie Moodie told Yoorrook: "We speak for Country. We are Country. We are the land, we act as land and for land." Back in law school, I looked at Eddie Koiki Mabo's case as a bold decision by the High Court. After Yoorrook, I see it as the very least the court could do to recognise what was obvious for the previous two centuries - that it always was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. I now look at the decision through the prism of the Charles Perkins quote when he said: "We live off the crumbs that fall off the white Australian tables and are told to be grateful." In many ways, native title is what's left over after everyone else has had their feed. Importantly, the Mabo decision gave non-Indigenous Australia something valuable; a way to begin healing, in an incremental way, the deep sore of racism and injustice that infects our national conscience. The High Court judges recognised this saying the "nation as a whole must remain diminished unless and until there is an acknowledgment of, and retreat from, those past injustices." The judges were talking about the way colonial law facilitated the taking of First Peoples' land. The same reasoning applies to sovereignty. For thousands of generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations exercised sovereignty over defined areas of country. The injustice of Britain's self-declared sovereignty over their lands has never been addressed. Treaties offer the chance to do this and create a different story for future generations. One where First Peoples have power over the issues that affect their lives. READ MORE: Where First Peoples families have access to quality education, healthcare and housing. Where First Peoples communities are prosperous, where country is healthy and where culture and language are thriving. Victoria's elected First Peoples Assembly is currently negotiating a statewide treaty with the Allan government. Local traditional owner treaties will follow. Yoorrook's recommendations, from self-determination to education and land rights, provide the grounding for transformation through treaties. Truth-telling is an essential step on the journey to justice and healing. Yoorrook is an invitation to non-Indigenous people to learn and walk together. In the words of Yoorrook's final report, "It's time to let in the light ... so that we might look to the future with clear eyes." On Tuesday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission's remarkable four-year journey ended with the publication of its final reports and public record. Yoorrook was the first formal truth-telling inquiry into injustices against First Peoples in Victoria. Led by four First Peoples Commissioners and a non-Indigenous Commissioner, it changed Victoria for the better and will continue to do so. Governments around Australia should learn from their experience and embrace truth-telling. Yoorrook engaged with more than 9000 First Peoples, received more than 1300 submissions, held public hearings with hundreds of witnesses and reached millions via media, social media, events and more. Its reports lay bare the historic and ongoing injustice caused by colonisation, told from First Peoples' perspectives. They also offer a clear path forward, grounded in truth, justice and First Peoples' leadership. As a non-Indigenous person, I was privileged to work for two years as Yoorrook's CEO. The experience profoundly changed my perspective and understanding. This is the power of truth-telling. Yoorrook dealt with deep injustice. I saw trauma handed down over generations and understandable anger. I also saw immense pride in Aboriginal culture, and despite all the harm, an incredible willingness to share it. Yoorrook reinforced the importance of culture. First Peoples in Victoria who survived the waves of colonial violence and disease were typically forced from their country, onto missions or the fringes of white society. Culture and language were suppressed. Children with European blood were removed from their families and communities and told that Aboriginality was bad. This is why it's so painful when First Peoples have their identity questioned by non-Indigenous people. It's also why work to strengthen culture and rebuild languages is so important. Research like the landmark Mayi Kuwayu Study confirms that when First Peoples are strong in culture and identity, they are strong in health and wellbeing. I saw so much strength and excellence. There was incredible advocacy and resistance and tenacious and effective leadership. I saw deep environmental knowledge and care for country as well as creative and sporting brilliance. I saw entrepreneurship and business excellence, huge family and community networks and a deep enduring respect for elders and ancestors. There is so much that non-Indigenous society can learn from. Yoorrook helped me to better understand that country is everything for First Peoples. As Gomeroi woman Nikkie Moodie told Yoorrook: "We speak for Country. We are Country. We are the land, we act as land and for land." Back in law school, I looked at Eddie Koiki Mabo's case as a bold decision by the High Court. After Yoorrook, I see it as the very least the court could do to recognise what was obvious for the previous two centuries - that it always was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. I now look at the decision through the prism of the Charles Perkins quote when he said: "We live off the crumbs that fall off the white Australian tables and are told to be grateful." In many ways, native title is what's left over after everyone else has had their feed. Importantly, the Mabo decision gave non-Indigenous Australia something valuable; a way to begin healing, in an incremental way, the deep sore of racism and injustice that infects our national conscience. The High Court judges recognised this saying the "nation as a whole must remain diminished unless and until there is an acknowledgment of, and retreat from, those past injustices." The judges were talking about the way colonial law facilitated the taking of First Peoples' land. The same reasoning applies to sovereignty. For thousands of generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations exercised sovereignty over defined areas of country. The injustice of Britain's self-declared sovereignty over their lands has never been addressed. Treaties offer the chance to do this and create a different story for future generations. One where First Peoples have power over the issues that affect their lives. READ MORE: Where First Peoples families have access to quality education, healthcare and housing. Where First Peoples communities are prosperous, where country is healthy and where culture and language are thriving. Victoria's elected First Peoples Assembly is currently negotiating a statewide treaty with the Allan government. Local traditional owner treaties will follow. Yoorrook's recommendations, from self-determination to education and land rights, provide the grounding for transformation through treaties. Truth-telling is an essential step on the journey to justice and healing. Yoorrook is an invitation to non-Indigenous people to learn and walk together. In the words of Yoorrook's final report, "It's time to let in the light ... so that we might look to the future with clear eyes." On Tuesday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission's remarkable four-year journey ended with the publication of its final reports and public record. Yoorrook was the first formal truth-telling inquiry into injustices against First Peoples in Victoria. Led by four First Peoples Commissioners and a non-Indigenous Commissioner, it changed Victoria for the better and will continue to do so. Governments around Australia should learn from their experience and embrace truth-telling. Yoorrook engaged with more than 9000 First Peoples, received more than 1300 submissions, held public hearings with hundreds of witnesses and reached millions via media, social media, events and more. Its reports lay bare the historic and ongoing injustice caused by colonisation, told from First Peoples' perspectives. They also offer a clear path forward, grounded in truth, justice and First Peoples' leadership. As a non-Indigenous person, I was privileged to work for two years as Yoorrook's CEO. The experience profoundly changed my perspective and understanding. This is the power of truth-telling. Yoorrook dealt with deep injustice. I saw trauma handed down over generations and understandable anger. I also saw immense pride in Aboriginal culture, and despite all the harm, an incredible willingness to share it. Yoorrook reinforced the importance of culture. First Peoples in Victoria who survived the waves of colonial violence and disease were typically forced from their country, onto missions or the fringes of white society. Culture and language were suppressed. Children with European blood were removed from their families and communities and told that Aboriginality was bad. This is why it's so painful when First Peoples have their identity questioned by non-Indigenous people. It's also why work to strengthen culture and rebuild languages is so important. Research like the landmark Mayi Kuwayu Study confirms that when First Peoples are strong in culture and identity, they are strong in health and wellbeing. I saw so much strength and excellence. There was incredible advocacy and resistance and tenacious and effective leadership. I saw deep environmental knowledge and care for country as well as creative and sporting brilliance. I saw entrepreneurship and business excellence, huge family and community networks and a deep enduring respect for elders and ancestors. There is so much that non-Indigenous society can learn from. Yoorrook helped me to better understand that country is everything for First Peoples. As Gomeroi woman Nikkie Moodie told Yoorrook: "We speak for Country. We are Country. We are the land, we act as land and for land." Back in law school, I looked at Eddie Koiki Mabo's case as a bold decision by the High Court. After Yoorrook, I see it as the very least the court could do to recognise what was obvious for the previous two centuries - that it always was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. I now look at the decision through the prism of the Charles Perkins quote when he said: "We live off the crumbs that fall off the white Australian tables and are told to be grateful." In many ways, native title is what's left over after everyone else has had their feed. Importantly, the Mabo decision gave non-Indigenous Australia something valuable; a way to begin healing, in an incremental way, the deep sore of racism and injustice that infects our national conscience. The High Court judges recognised this saying the "nation as a whole must remain diminished unless and until there is an acknowledgment of, and retreat from, those past injustices." The judges were talking about the way colonial law facilitated the taking of First Peoples' land. The same reasoning applies to sovereignty. For thousands of generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations exercised sovereignty over defined areas of country. The injustice of Britain's self-declared sovereignty over their lands has never been addressed. Treaties offer the chance to do this and create a different story for future generations. One where First Peoples have power over the issues that affect their lives. READ MORE: Where First Peoples families have access to quality education, healthcare and housing. Where First Peoples communities are prosperous, where country is healthy and where culture and language are thriving. Victoria's elected First Peoples Assembly is currently negotiating a statewide treaty with the Allan government. Local traditional owner treaties will follow. Yoorrook's recommendations, from self-determination to education and land rights, provide the grounding for transformation through treaties. Truth-telling is an essential step on the journey to justice and healing. Yoorrook is an invitation to non-Indigenous people to learn and walk together. In the words of Yoorrook's final report, "It's time to let in the light ... so that we might look to the future with clear eyes." On Tuesday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission's remarkable four-year journey ended with the publication of its final reports and public record. Yoorrook was the first formal truth-telling inquiry into injustices against First Peoples in Victoria. Led by four First Peoples Commissioners and a non-Indigenous Commissioner, it changed Victoria for the better and will continue to do so. Governments around Australia should learn from their experience and embrace truth-telling. Yoorrook engaged with more than 9000 First Peoples, received more than 1300 submissions, held public hearings with hundreds of witnesses and reached millions via media, social media, events and more. Its reports lay bare the historic and ongoing injustice caused by colonisation, told from First Peoples' perspectives. They also offer a clear path forward, grounded in truth, justice and First Peoples' leadership. As a non-Indigenous person, I was privileged to work for two years as Yoorrook's CEO. The experience profoundly changed my perspective and understanding. This is the power of truth-telling. Yoorrook dealt with deep injustice. I saw trauma handed down over generations and understandable anger. I also saw immense pride in Aboriginal culture, and despite all the harm, an incredible willingness to share it. Yoorrook reinforced the importance of culture. First Peoples in Victoria who survived the waves of colonial violence and disease were typically forced from their country, onto missions or the fringes of white society. Culture and language were suppressed. Children with European blood were removed from their families and communities and told that Aboriginality was bad. This is why it's so painful when First Peoples have their identity questioned by non-Indigenous people. It's also why work to strengthen culture and rebuild languages is so important. Research like the landmark Mayi Kuwayu Study confirms that when First Peoples are strong in culture and identity, they are strong in health and wellbeing. I saw so much strength and excellence. There was incredible advocacy and resistance and tenacious and effective leadership. I saw deep environmental knowledge and care for country as well as creative and sporting brilliance. I saw entrepreneurship and business excellence, huge family and community networks and a deep enduring respect for elders and ancestors. There is so much that non-Indigenous society can learn from. Yoorrook helped me to better understand that country is everything for First Peoples. As Gomeroi woman Nikkie Moodie told Yoorrook: "We speak for Country. We are Country. We are the land, we act as land and for land." Back in law school, I looked at Eddie Koiki Mabo's case as a bold decision by the High Court. After Yoorrook, I see it as the very least the court could do to recognise what was obvious for the previous two centuries - that it always was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. I now look at the decision through the prism of the Charles Perkins quote when he said: "We live off the crumbs that fall off the white Australian tables and are told to be grateful." In many ways, native title is what's left over after everyone else has had their feed. Importantly, the Mabo decision gave non-Indigenous Australia something valuable; a way to begin healing, in an incremental way, the deep sore of racism and injustice that infects our national conscience. The High Court judges recognised this saying the "nation as a whole must remain diminished unless and until there is an acknowledgment of, and retreat from, those past injustices." The judges were talking about the way colonial law facilitated the taking of First Peoples' land. The same reasoning applies to sovereignty. For thousands of generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations exercised sovereignty over defined areas of country. The injustice of Britain's self-declared sovereignty over their lands has never been addressed. Treaties offer the chance to do this and create a different story for future generations. One where First Peoples have power over the issues that affect their lives. READ MORE: Where First Peoples families have access to quality education, healthcare and housing. Where First Peoples communities are prosperous, where country is healthy and where culture and language are thriving. Victoria's elected First Peoples Assembly is currently negotiating a statewide treaty with the Allan government. Local traditional owner treaties will follow. Yoorrook's recommendations, from self-determination to education and land rights, provide the grounding for transformation through treaties. Truth-telling is an essential step on the journey to justice and healing. Yoorrook is an invitation to non-Indigenous people to learn and walk together. In the words of Yoorrook's final report, "It's time to let in the light ... so that we might look to the future with clear eyes."
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Renewable energy targets under threat as offshore wind producer considers selling major Victorian project while delays mount
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She said shopkeepers had an obligation not to abuse the trust of Aboriginal customers from remote communities who often "don't know how to question" the payment options presented to them. "The [shopkeeper] will go 'oh look, we can take money out of your account, you don't have to pay the whole $80!," she said. "That's how I think people started to get hooked into that system of Centrepay." Mr Shorten said in December the changes to Centrepay would be "fully introduced" by July 1 this year. But Services Australia has since confirmed the plan has been delayed, with more details on the changes to be revealed "in the coming weeks". A spokesperson for the Urban Rampage chain of clothing stores said the "ongoing delay" was creating a regulatory limbo for its business. The company is challenging an ASIC order to stop using Centrepay at the Administrative Review Tribunal, in a move that could prove futile if the changes go ahead as planned. The spokesperson confirmed Urban Rampage was offering customers other payment options in the meantime, including Afterpay and direct debits.
