Why NT small businesses are happy that Dan Murphy’s is not coming to Darwin

The peak bodies representing tourism, hospitality and business have taken a pragmatic approach to the loss of a Dan Murphy’s superstore in Darwin.

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THE peak bodies representing tourism, hospitality and business have taken a pragmatic approach to the loss of Dan Murphys.

All three organisations acknowledged that they have members who will be happy with the decision.

Tourism Top End general manager Glen Hingley. Picture: Che Chorley

Tourism Top End General manager Glen Hingley said he represents a lot of members who rely on alcohol sales as part of their business.

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“I feel for a lot of my members that will be good news for them because this is big time competition,” he said.

“We’ve seen what happens when say a massive hardware store or furniture business opens up.

“All your local hardware and small local furniture businesses struggle or close.

“It will be welcomed news for small business owners who have their family’s life savings in their business.”

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce agreed with Mr Hingley’s view.

“Yes there will be those in our industry happy about that Dan Murphys is not coming,” he said.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Greg Ireland said while the decision means jobs will be missed out on and sends out a bad message about Darwin as a place to invest, the Woolworths Board would have weighed up the risks of the investment.

“My understanding is that the independent report Woolworths commissioned was very thorough and will be made public in June,” he said. “If so it will be interesting to see what it says.”