Labor must fix the embarrassing Dan Murphy’s mess ofits own making

THE vast majority of Darwin residents want a Dan Murphy’s ... now the Gunner Government must fix the embarrassing mess of its own making to allow its people to have what they want

Territorians want a Dan Murphy’s ... now the Gunner Government must fix this embarrassing mess of its own making

AT the top of most Territorians’ Christmas list was a Dan Murphy’s.

But the grinches at the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal killed that with its decision – handed down late on Monday afternoon – to reject Dan Murphy’s appeal.

Ostensibly, the appeal was rejected because the tribunal decided a liquor licence couldn’t be transferred which a store which is yet to be built.

If upheld, that ruling will put an end to any new bottle shops being built in the Territory while the moratorium on new licences stands.

That is clearly not the intent of the moratorium and this cheeky interpretation of the issues appears to be a major overreach by the NTCAT.

Fortunately, Chief Minister Michael Gunner has made clear his intention to get Dan Murphy’s built.

His new-found enthusiasm for the project would have come in handy three years ago when his party was arrogantly sticking to its ridiculous 400 sq m floor size restriction, but it is better late than never.

Labor must take the bulk of the responsibility for the fact Darwin still doesn’t have a Dan Murphy’s.

It has been this Government’s inconsistent and unworkable policies that have made it so difficult for the retailer to set up here.

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And it isn’t all about giving Territory drinkers a few bucks off their booze.

The Dan Murphy’s was to be the anchor tenant of a $40 million airport shopping development.

The Gunner Government must fix this mess of its own making.