AMSANT happy with Dan Murphys win but “We don’t think it is over yet”

The boss of Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT says he’s happy to have won the battle to stop a Dan Murphy’s store in Darwin, but he’s not so sure the fight is over.

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The chief executive of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT), John Paterson, says he is happy to have won the battle to stop a Dan Murphys store in Darwin, but is not so sure the fight is over.

“We are happy with the Woolworths decision … we don’t think it is over yet,” Mr Paterson said.

“There are some issues we need to address with the Northern Territory Government in terms of their liquor licencing decision making processes.

“We want to make sure that the back door is shut and locked.

“That there is no opportunity for the licence to be gifted granted or transferred back to the Northern Territory Government or back to any other subsidiary of Woolies that may be wanting to get a hold of the licence and have another attempt at establishing a similar outlet.

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“We want to make sure of that because the decision not to have a Dan Murphys is a good

AMSANT CEO John Paterson.

decision for the Darwin community particularly when it comes to the impact of alcohol related violence and other issues that we have seen right throughout our campaign.

“I have had nothing but positive feedback saying that this is a good decision.

“We want a safer, healthier, stronger community particularly for our younger generation. It is sad when you hear about kids at Bagot Community not getting a good night’s sleep and can’t go to school the next day. Their grannies, their aunts, their mums are having tough nights trying to deal with all the alcohol related issues that go on,

“This isn’t the only community it is happening in. I’ve experienced it myself in the northern suburbs of Darwin “

Mr Paterson singled out Bagot Community leader Helen Fejo-Firth for special thanks among those that have been a part of the campaign against the Dan Murphys.

“Helen has been particularly strong,” he said.

“Others that deserve thanks are Olga Havnen the chief executive officer of the Danila Dilba Health Service, Deb DiNatale from NTCOSS and all those other organisations that have supported us.”