Northern Territory police believe a daylight stabbing in front of shocked families last week occurred because those involved had received a “huge amount” of royalty payments and travelled from a dry community to Alice Springs to drink.
Stabbing victim Vernon Gibson had to be flown to Adelaide following the alcohol-related attack on Thursday, which began at a popular bar before spilling out on the street.
The latest episode of public violence came as the Territory government rejected opposition calls for a trial to expand the Banned Drinker Register (BDR) to include pubs, clubs and bars, with Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro saying laws had already been strengthened and should not be targeting patrons simply having dinner at a restaurant.
Multiple sources have told The Australian Mr Gibson, along with the man accused of stabbing him, Kaine Fisher, and others, had travelled from the dry community of Nyirrpi, about seven hours west of Alice Springs, to drink after receiving their royalty payments.
Last week, royalties to the tune of over $1.1m were paid by the Warlpiri Aboriginal Corporation, with an association affiliated with the families involved in the fight believed to have received part of that payment worth $136,908.16, according to documents obtained by The Australian.
Police are also still searching for a separate man who is believed to have fled Alice Springs, who could be seen in the video in the aftermath of the first stabbing, allegedly attempting to stab another man. He is not believed to be involved in the alleged stabbing of Mr Gibson.
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Police are working closely with traditional owners, elders, community members, land councils, and other government agencies to enhance community safety and prevent further incidents,” NT police commander James Grey-Spence said.
The Australian revealed last week that Mr Fisher had faced court on almost a dozen occasions as an adult for serious offences, including being armed in public and aggravated assault.
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