The full report by the Woolworths-appointed panel, into the company’s now abandoned plan to build an alcohol megastore in Darwin, has been released. Read the report
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Following Woolworths’ decision to abandon its plans to build the alcohol megastore in Darwin, the company has now formally surrendered its liquor licence back to the NT Government, which was granted to them by the Director of Liquor Licensing in December 2020. This means that, for now, there is no back door open for Woolworths or any of its subsidiaries to build a liquor store in the area.
“We don’t want another [liquor store] outlet,” Helen Fejo-Frith says. “Especially one that big. There’s already enough outlets around here and look at the violence, kids roaming the streets here, kids fighting.” Watch the 7.30 report story
After a five-year saga involving court challenges and political twists, the company has abandoned its plan to set up its first Dan Murphy’s store in Darwin. Read more
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and health leaders want Reconciliation Australia to revoke its support for Woolworths over the retail giant’s plans to build one of Australia’s largest alcohol stores in Darwin, near three dry Aboriginal communities. Read more
“I think we have to use every available means to try and stop the development of this particular takeaway outlet.” – Danila Dilba chief executive Olga Havnen Read more
Mr Gilbert subsequently appointed four panel members – Heather D’Antoine, an honorary fellow with Menzies School of Health Research, Neil Westbury, chairman of the MJD Foundation and a former director of the Indigenous Land Corporation, Nigel Browne, former crown prosecutor and chief executive of the Larrakia Development Corporation, and Roland Houareau, general manager of INPEX in the Northern Territory. Read more
Indigenous community groups in Darwin have hit out against the Woolworths Group for what they say is the company’s failure to have genuine community consultation over the construction of a Dan Murphy’s liquor store. Listen to the interview
“It’s wedging Aboriginal groups against each other. This is the game that they’re good at, big corporates, they love it, and we’re calling on them to cease it. Take a social conscience in all of this and listen to the Aboriginal leadership here in the Northern Territory and withdraw your application now.” – John Paterson, CEO AMSANT Read more
Community groups disappointed in decision but vow to keep fighting alcohol megastore Read more