Commissioners urge national action on racism following Perth Invasion Day attack
On 26 January at a peaceful Invasion Day rally in Perth, a man allegedly threw a homemade bomb into the crowd, forcing an urgent evacuation.
Summary
- A potential mass casualty event in Perth has caused deep distress and fear among First Peoples.
- Commissioner Kiss calls on the government and law enforcement agencies to treat this incident with urgency and utmost seriousness.
- When racial hatred goes unaddressed it can escalate into horrific violence.
On a day that already represents deep pain, survival and resistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the ‘potential mass casualty event’ in Boorloo (Perth) on 26 January has caused deep distress and fear among First Peoples, warns Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss.
During the Invasion Day rally in Perth’s CBD, the peaceful gathering was disrupted when a man allegedly threw a homemade bomb into the crowd, prompting police to initiate an urgent evacuation. Authorities have since classified it as a "potential terrorist act".
‘Invasion Day gatherings are spaces for truth‑telling, cultural strength and calls for justice - not fear,’ said Commissioner Kiss.
‘While the motive is yet to be determined, there is no question that the targets of the attack were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their allies.
‘Had the device detonated the results could have been catastrophic, and potentially as deadly as the Bondi terrorist attack. I call on the government and law enforcement agencies to treat this incident with the same urgency and seriousness.
‘The antisemitism behind the Bondi attack shows how racial hatred can escalate into horrific violence. No one is safe until we are all safe from racial hatred.
‘For many in our communities, this moment echoes a long history of threats to our safety and ongoing struggles to have our voices heard without fear of violence.
‘This terrifying incident leads First Peoples to be fearful of being targeted for who they are, and fearful that standing up for their democratic right to protest may have deadly consequences,’ she said.
Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman said: ‘These acts have no place in our society. Hate and discrimination must be addressed urgently and comprehensively. The Australian Human Rights Commission’s National Anti-Racism Framework, which the Australian Government has yet to endorse and implement, provides a blueprint for effective action for tackling racism.
‘We cannot afford to wait any longer. Precious lives and freedoms are at imminent risk,’ he said.
Media contact
Email: media@humanrights.gov.au or phone: 0457 281 897