Dan Murphy’s says NT Labor Government knew of liquor outlet’s intention to set up shop in Darwin

DAN Murphy’s has sensationally rejected Labor’s line that it was not aware of the company’s intentions to enter the Darwin market until days before restrictive legislation was brought in

Dan Murphy's concept plans for its Darwin store.

DAN Murphy’s has sensationally rejected Labor’s line that it was not aware of the company’s intentions to enter the Darwin market until days before restrictive legislation was brought in.

The liquor giant yesterday claimed it revealed all in a meeting with the Chief Minister’s chief of staff months earlier.

The claims, by the boss of Endeavour Drinks Group, who own Woolworths subsidiary Dan Murphy’s, come amid allegations raised in parliament that the Gunner Government’s 400sq m floor space restriction for liquor retailers was concocted at the behest of the Australian Hotels Association to keep competition from the liquor giant out. Endeavour’s general manager of corporate services Shane Tremble said he met with Alf Leonardi in late October to discuss Dan Murphy’s Territory ambitions.

Alf Leonardi, Chief of Staff to NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner previously said neither he, nor any of his advisers, were made aware of Dan Murphy’s intentions until December.

Several days later, on December 20, the Government gazetted the 400sq m floor size restriction that essentially blocked Dan Murphy’s from getting a permit.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has confirmed the October meeting but says he had been assured by Mr Leonardi that Dan Murphy’s intentions were not discussed.

“I am advised by my chief of staff that at no stage during the meeting did Woolworths indicate they intended to open a Dan Murphy’s store in Darwin,” he said.

Woolworths began legal action to have the restriction quashed, but has since withdrawn it from courts. Mr Gunner has not publicly released any documentation proving the policy was created independent of the AHA.

A spokesman for the Chief Minister said Mr Leonardi had not taken any notes at the October meeting. But Mr Tremble appeared more diligent in his administrative duties, and said he had retained his notes.

Mr Tremble said he met with NT Director-General of Licensing Cindy Bravos to discuss Dan Murphy’s plans to move into the Darwin Airport development and was told the plan would likely be opposed by the Government.

That meeting was followed by another brief meeting at Mr Leonardi’s Parliament House office. “I recall the discussion clearly as I found Mr Leonardi’s description of our Dan Murphy’s business as the ‘Bunnings for drunks’ very offensive, as I had travelled to the NT as a representative of a business with an exemplary responsible service record and seeking to make a substantial investment in the Territory economy,” Mr Tremble said.

That language closely mirrors that used by Attorney-General Natasha Fyles in Parliament. Speaking in May on the bill which would kill off Dan Murphy’s NT aspirations, she lamented the harm which would be wrought by “Bunnings-style outlets” should they be allowed to operate.

In Parliament yesterday, Mr Gunner said he had “nothing to hide” and said the political donations inquiry headed by former justice John Mansfield was more than welcome to scrutinise his stance.