Street sweeper Shaun Turner wins compensation after unfair dismissal from Darebin Council

A street sweeper sacked by one of Melbourne’s most progressive council’s for questioning an Acknowledgment of Country at the start of an informal meeting has won a compensation settlement.

A street sweeper fired for questioning the need for an Acknowledgment of Country is mulling a tilt at politics after winning a “satisfying” compensation payout from one of Melbourne’s most progressive councils.

Shaun Turner never expected to find himself at the centre of a national conversation but the 61-year-old was lauded as a local hero after he last month successfully challenged his sacking from Darebin Council.

The self-described “pale, stale male” was fired after questioning why his colleague was delivering an Acknowledgment of Country at an informal weekly ‘toolbox’ team meeting.

The dad of four, whose father served in World War II, pointed out its use should be reserved for important occasions and noted “if you’re thanking anyone, you should be thanking the service people that had fought for the country”.

Shaun Turner, whose father served in WWII, has won compensation from Darebin Council. Picture: Alex Coppel

The Fair Work Commission ruled Mr Turner had been unfairly dismissed — finding there was “no valid reason to dismiss him” — and the humble cleaner has now received a payout from the council.

While the compensation is confidential, Mr Turner told the Herald Sun it was “satisfying” and confirmed he would not return to work for the council.

With a bit of spare time on his hands, Mr Turner is now mulling a new career path.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think and I’m thinking about (federal) politics,” he said.

“I’ve had a lot of time to read and watch a lot of political shows... and I’ve got some ideas to offer up.”

Mr Turner said he would be looking for a spot in the Senate if he decided to take his ideas to Canberra.

“But for now, I’m hoping to head off on a holiday,” he said.

If it was up to him, Mr Turner said he’d never return to Victoria, dubbing the state the “socialist capital of Australia”.

“But I’d have to leave without my wife,” he said.

Mr Turner was sacked after he questioned the need for an Acknowledgment of Country at a toolbox meeting. Picture: Alex Coppel

Mr Turner said “frustrations are everywhere” and “the world has gone mad”.

“You’ve got to be careful what you’re saying and what you’re doing and who’s around,” he said.

“You go to watch a comedian now and they’re boring – can’t say this, can’t say that.”

Gender debates, “weak” bail laws, the Melbourne CBD looking like a “pigsty” and being “welcomed to your own country” also get under Mr Turner’s skin.

“And constant protests – they drive me mad,” he said.

“But it’s a free country and they know they can get away with it.”

Politicians trying to act like the average Joe also rubbed him the wrong way.

“Like Albo having a pot at the pub – it’s just false,” he said.

“You can’t even afford to have a beer at the pub anymore.”

As for becoming a politician himself, Mr Turner said he’d like to model himself off the likes of outspoken Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.