SACRED SHITE
Contractor sacked after defecating on Devils Marbles
A TERRITORY tradie has been sacked after his mates filmed him taking a dump on a sacred site in Central Australia — during “personal time” — while he was in the region to work on a power station upgrade.
The video — obtained by the Sunday Territorian — shows the man removing his shorts and jocks before defecating while standing on Devils Marbles, 100km south of Tennant Creek.
People behind the camera can be heard laughing.
Workers were reportedly told to delete the footage from their devices.
Clarke Energy — the contractor responsible for the Territory Generation power station expansion at Tennant Creek — has issued a public apology to traditional owners and stakeholders over the incident. A Clarke Energy spokesman said in a statement: “The incident reported to us is extremely disappointing.”
“The alleged actions of this individual are at odds with the behaviour we expect of employees, subcontractors and associates,” the statement said.
The spokesman said the man, who worked for power station subcontractor Nilsen Electrical, had his employment terminated. “Nilsen Electrical (management) will ascertain if any other employees are implicated,” he said.
The Sunday Territorian understands the Central Land Council will consult traditional owners over the desecration.
Territory Generation chief Tim Duignan said the agency would review its project contracts.
“We expect both Clarke Energy and Nilsen will report the matter to the correct channels,” he said.
Parks and Wildlife Central Australian Parks boss Chris Day said: “Traditional owners and parks managers would be offended and upset to hear of this act.”
Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority policy director Matthew Dean said the organisation was aware of the allegations.
“We are looking into it,” he said.
Devils Marbles — Karlu Karlu Conservation Reserve — was officially handed back to traditional owners in 2008.
The popular tourist spot has a campsite and day-use facilities including public toilets.
Anyone who defecates in public, in a protected conservation area or a sacred site stands to be fined or prosecuted.
The NT Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act prohibits climbing and damaging Devils Marbles. It states “a person must not in a park or reserve deposit or discharge noxious, offensive or polluting substances or material”. The NT Sacred Sites Act is designed to protect cultural heritage areas from desecration.
Police may take action if they receive a complaint about offensive behaviour in public view. Barkly Division Acting Superintendent Pauline Vicary told the Sunday Territorian: “This behaviour is not acceptable, and even less so in a place of significance to local culture and a major tourist attraction.”