Larrakia elder in call for Rorkes bar boycott amid ‘racism’ allegations

A LARRAKIA elder has called on the Darwin public to boycott Rorkes bar over disturbing allegations of racist policies to ban Aboriginal patrons

Rorkes pub at the corner of Smith Street and Bennett Street in the Darwin CBD. Picture: Justin Kennedy

A LARRAKIA elder has called on the Darwin public to boycott Rorkes over disturbing allegations of racist policies to ban Aboriginal patrons.

Larrakia traditional owner June Mills, 60, said she was “disgusted” by claims staff at the Smith St bar had been told to ban “blacks” and charge Aboriginal patrons for water.

“I’d encourage people to stay away from that joint,” she said.

“We need to show them we don’t support that kind of behaviour and vote with our wallets.”

Former Aboriginal affairs minister Ken Vowles said he was “really disappointed” to hear the allegations about the CBD pub.

■ BAR licensee denies racism accusations

Larrakia Nation chief executive Robert Cooper said elders would visit Rorkes and other businesses next week to talk about pressing issues in the CBD bar.

“I’m not familiar with the ins and outs of what’s happened at Rorkes but hopefully certain concerns can be addressed soon when senior Larrakia elders go out to talk to them,” he said.

Rorkes licensee Mitchell McNamee was not present in Darwin Local Court on Wednesday when his company, Monkey Business Holdings Pty Ltd, faced court for the first time charged with a breach of licence conditions, a charge that the NT News understands is unrelated to the allegations made by former employees in recent days.

The company’s lawyer, Peter Maley, said there would likely be a guilty plea when the case returns to court.

“I appear for the small business, which has been set upon by the Northern Territory Government,” Mr Maley said.

Mr McNamee told the NT News he “completely denies” ever telling his staff to deny service to black people.

“Those are total falsities, we have all types of people in our bar,” he said.

Former Rorkes duty manager Thomas Brock said he had made a report to the NT Anti-Discrimination Commission.

A spokeswoman confirmed the commission was looking into the matter.