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Darwin pub Rorke’s Beer Wine Food has been caught amid a swirl of racism and unpaid wages allegations.
Pub owner Mitch McNamee has found himself at the centre of unsavoury allegations by former staff of Rorke’s Beer Wine Food in Darwin.
Allegations have appeared in a number of media outlets made by former and existing staff members claiming some wages remain unpaid. Related allegations also claim that McNamee instructed staff to exclude indigenous customers from Rorke’s Beer Wine Food and to charge indigenous customers for water.
McNamee has been approached for comment but remains unavailable. Phone calls by Australian Hotelier to Rorke’s went unanswered and the pub’s Facebook profile page appears to have been taken down.
The Chief Executive Officer of Hospitality NT, the peak industry body in the Northern Territory for the hospitality industry, Des Crowe, told Australian Hotelier:
“I have just completed an extensive trip around the NT observing customer service. Many of the patrons were indigenous and were enjoying the services provided.
“Hospitality NT is opposed to alleged discriminatory practices.
“Recent allegations around discriminatory practices have been widely criticised by hospitality leaders and community leaders alike.”
A spokesperson for the Fair Work Commission told Australian Hotelier: “The Fair Work Commission is not able to provide any comment in relation to this matter, particularly as we have strict privacy requirements regarding applications made by individuals.”