A motion condemning an alleged attempted bombing at an Invasion Day rally in Perth has successfully passed through the Senate, receiving backing from both Labor and crossbench senators. The motion, introduced by Senator Lidia Thorpe, addresses the serious incident that occurred on January 26 in Boorloo, the Indigenous name for Perth.
Investigation into the Alleged Attack
A joint terror squad is currently investigating the event, where a 31-year-old man allegedly threw a homemade explosive device into a crowd of approximately 2500 people. The device, which contained screws and ball bearings surrounded by an explosive liquid, fortunately failed to detonate, preventing what could have been a catastrophic tragedy.
Emotional Responses from Senators
During the Senate debate, Senator Dorinda Cox became visibly emotional, reflecting on the potential devastation. "I know how deeply this has shaken our people, and in particular my community," she stated. "I have heard from parents frightened, from elders who are angry, who are hurt and who are exhausted." She emphasised that the attack sends a dangerous message that safety cannot be taken for granted, even during peaceful gatherings.
Senator Thorpe highlighted the community's distress, not only from the threat itself but also from the perceived "silence" from authorities, politicians, and the media regarding the incident's severity. "The community was reeling from the threat it posed," she remarked, urging for greater accountability and awareness.
Cross-Party Support and Solidarity
The motion garnered support from several Labor senators, including Malarndirri McCarthy, Jana Stewart, and Dorinda Cox. Senator Cox described the Senate's solidarity as a step forward for the country, stating, "We've got to stop this hate and the racism that's going on in this country right now." Senator Thorpe expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support, noting it helps "bring this country together and condemn all forms of violence against all peoples."
Concerns Over Police Response
Following the incident, concerns have been raised about the handling of the situation by Western Australia Police. Teal MP Kate Chaney, who joined Senator Thorpe at a press conference in Canberra, indicated she intends to raise issues with the WA Police Commissioner due to confusion in the police response on the day.
Senator Thorpe called for a thorough review or investigation into the police actions, questioning procedural lapses. "Why did the crowd not know what was going on?" she asked. "And who handled this bomb? I've heard many accounts where police just picked that bomb up and threw it in the van. The bomb was smouldering. Where are their procedures? The police need to answer a lot of questions here."
Next Steps and Broader Implications
The motion will now proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration. Teal MPs, including Zali Steggall, Sophie Scamps, and Monique Ryan, have already declared their early support, signalling potential cross-party backing in the lower house as well.
Senator Cox pointed out that this incident did not occur in isolation, noting it comes amid a period of increased violence in Australia. The Senate's condemnation serves as a formal stance against such acts, emphasising the need for unity and safety in public demonstrations.
