Statement by WA Forest Alliance, Frack Free WA, Conservation Council of WA, The Wilderness Society, Solutions for Climate Western Australia, Australian Youth Climate Coalition WA and Environs Kimberley
On January 26, a rally in Boorloo/Perth to commemorate Invasion Day was targeted by an act of hate and terror.
A homemade bomb was thrown into the crowd from the concourse above Forrest Place, and whilst it did not detonate, there was the potential for mass casualties of First Nations people and their allies.
The bomb, which contained ball bearings, screws and an explosive liquid, was designed to explode upon impact.
As was noted by The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Katie Kiss, “if this happened at any other event, we’d call it terrorism.” It took 3 days for WA Police to label it a “potential terrorist attack.”
We echo the calls of event organiser Fabian Yarran, who said “The incident must be fully investigated as an act of terrorism and a hate crime against First Nations people and protestors, and appropriately charged as such.”
We are deeply concerned that the seriousness of this threat was downplayed by the media and police on the day and in subsequent days. Reports from media and attendees show there was no clear, timely or transparent communication to rally organisers or attendees leading to confusion.
The right to protest safely is fundamental to Australian society, and to our organisations.
A comprehensive response must come from all levels of government. The Royal Commission into anti-semitism should be expanded to facilitate a thorough and significant investigation into all forms of racism and far-right extremism.
We support the calls of WA First Nations leaders for a full investigation of this incident as an act of terrorism and a hate crime. Any failures in the police response must also be independently investigated. There must be greater accountability and oversight from senior leadership in WA Police for Invasion Day – January 26 – and other major protests, and more First Nations liaison officers within WA Police to ensure threats like these are handled seriously and sensitively.
The nation-wide increase in violence against First Nations peoples is abhorrent and must be urgently acted upon. The rise of all forms of hate, including far-right hate, affects every one of us. First Nations people, and all Australians, should be able to gather peacefully without fearing for their safety.
WA Forest Alliance
Frack Free WA
Conservation Council of WA
The Wilderness Society
Solutions for Climate Western Australia
Australian Youth Climate Coalition WA
Environs Kimberley