A Maori man is seeking damages from a Queensland tourism operator over what he says was persistent racial harassment, including being given a can marked "black guy repellent" instead of the sunscreen he requested.

McDuff Tupetagi filed a complaint to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission regarding his alleged treatment by the Rainbow Beach Adventure Company.  Mr. Tupegai described a toxic atmosphere of constant jokes and references to his race, including being the butt of "black jokes" and coworkers asking, "Where is the black fella?".

Tupegai alleges he requested a sun sail from his employer but was refused with staff telling him it was "because you're black".  On one occasion he found a can on his car with the words "black guy repllent (sic)" and "Caution!  Use only on blacks" written on the side. 

"This is a bloke who was just doing his everyday work, and his workmates left a shocking canister when he asked for some sunscreen," said Industrial advocate Miles Heffernan who represents Mr. Tupetagi.  "They thought it was some sort of joke but it was a real act of cruelty on a worker just trying to do his job.

"It's not workplace joviality or a bit of banter between mates," Heffernan continued, "It's a bloke who is not white being treated horribly because of the color of his skin." ALLOESCORT

Website Travel Group, which owns the Rainbow Beach Adventure Company, told the ABC that it was unaware of much of the racial banter described. The company also claims that the employees responsible for the can with the racist writing were disciplined. 

"We find the actions of the employee concerned to be abhorrent and totally unacceptable," said general manager Barry Downes.  "His conduct in this matter in no way reflects the culture or beliefs of our company, managers and staff.

"While it's disappointing that the damage has been done to what was previously a close and long-standing friendship between these two employees, the matter will be before the commission in the comings weeks and it would be inappropriate to make further comment."