Political battle plays out after Dan Murphy’s pull the pin on Darwin development

Woolworths’ scrapping of its plans for a Darwin Dan Murphy’s store has unleashed political forays, with questions raised over current liquor legislation.

WOOLWORTHS’ scrapping of its plans for a Darwin Dan Murphy’s store has unleashed political forays, with questions raised over current liquor legislation.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said he remained confident that existing legislation was the best option to push the Territory forward and minimise alcohol-related harm.

“The Northern Territory government has positioned itself as a leading jurisdiction when it comes to alcohol reforms in Australia,” he said.

MORE RELATED STORIES

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

Woolworths to improve engagement following decision to scrap Darwin Dan Murphy’s superstore

Woolworths will not build a Dan Murphy’s superstore in Darwin following independent review

“The current Territory Labor government has done more to minimise the harm caused by alcohol than any previous Territory government, including bringing back the banned drinker register and introducing a minimum floor price for alcohol.”

Opposition Leader, Lia Finocchiaro

However, Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said uncertainty around what Dan Murphy’s could do with its store had proven too difficult for the liquor giant.

“In 2016, the Gunner Labor government dramatically changed the law restricting bottle shop floor space to 400 sqm, which effectively blocked Dan Murphy’s from setting up in Darwin,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“Six months later the Chief Minister conceded he stuffed up and repealed that legislation.”

Opposition alcohol policy spokesman Gerard Maley said if appropriate legislation had been written and put in place, the Dan Murphy’s proposal may have succeeded.