A Dan Murphy’s in Darwin will drive competition and offer choice, not ruin independent retailers
A DAN Murphy’s in Darwin will drive competition and give NT residents and visitors the choice that every other state and territory person in Australia currently enjoys, writes DENISE CAHILL.
Opinion
Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Liquor Commission board members threaten to resign over Dan Murphy’s fast-tracking
- ‘Urgent’ Dan Murphy’s legislation dragged out in parliament, only getting debated at 5pm on last day of sitting
- Dan Murphy’s to relocate proposed Darwin site to appease community concerns
- Government to force Liquor Commission’s hand on making quick Dan Murphy’s decision
A DAN Murphy’s in Darwin will drive competition and give NT residents and visitors the choice that every other state and territory person in Australia currently enjoys.
There are more than 200 Dan Murphy’s outlets in Australia, with the NT currently the only state or territory without the choice to purchase alcohol from the popular brand. A Dan Murphy’s in Darwin will add to the choice, not spell the end for independent retailers.
People will still nip down to their local to pick up their favourite tipple, even with a Dan Murphy’s.
The fact the Australian liquor supermarket chain owned by Woolworths is hanging in there after a five-year battle with bureaucracy is a sign that they know it’s where residents and visitors to the Top End want to have the choice to shop.
MORE DENISE CAHILL OPINION
Fear of change, not voter satisfaction, gets incumbent politicians re-elected at pandemic polls
Secret affair dominates NSW politics while NT members project family friendly vibe
SES volunteers: The fearless, unsung heroes who deserve our co-operation and thanks
Last Thursday, Endeavour Group, who are behind the application to build in Darwin, opted to relocate the site of its proposed superstore, with hopes of reaching an outcome from their liquor application saga to best benefit the entire community.
On the same day, the NT government approved legislation for the application to be determined within 30 days, which will end the Dan Murphy’s saga before Christmas.
The new location, on Osgood Drive opposite the McMillans Road and Sabine Road intersection, is 1.3km further away from the Bagot community.
Endeavour Group Corporate Services general manager Shane Tremble said the new proposed site would be in the midst of an already developed area, but would help address concerns from the nearby Indigenous communities.
“We have spent a lot of time having meaningful conversations with local communities to understand their views, listen to any concerns they may have and to address them,” Mr Tremble said.
The proposed Dan Murphy’s store would be a “fine wine precinct”, with half of the product range falling into the premium category ($20 per bottle or more).
Several health and Aboriginal organisations wrote an open letter to Woolworths ahead of their AGM last week calling for them to abandon plans to build the Dan Murphy’s.
“The Northern Territory (NT) is working hard to tackle the many alcohol harms we see daily in our community. We are beginning to see improvements in the health and wellbeing of our community and its many families,” it read.
“We know that the more alcohol you sell, the more harms it causes in our community.
“Our community is now on a path to a brighter future. Our kids are safer and our families are healthier with less alcohol washing through our streets.
“Don’t derail this important work.”
OFFER EXTENDED: Amazing NT News subscription offer: Read everything for $1
Alcohol can be harmful, there are no arguments about that.
But the Northern Territory has some of the strictest booze sale restrictions in the country, including a minimum floor price.
Introducing Dan Murphy’s in Darwin won’t make alcohol issues in communities worse.
A lack of education and resources will.
The best news is if the Liquor Commission sees sense and approves the application, there will be a Dan Murphy’s in Darwin just before Christmas 2021.
Denise Cahill is the Head of News at the NT News
A year since October 7, what has happened to Australia?
As protests around the world mark a year since the October 7 attack on Israel, US correspondent Tom Minear says he does not recognise how Australia has changed since then.
‘Liberate our kids’: Why Aussie mum wants social media age limit
An Aussie mum whose daughter suffered from an eating disorder is concerned the pressure young people feel to present a perfect image online is dragging them further into a deep pit of anxiety.