Indigenous Community Felt Ignored After Alleged Invasion Day Bombing

Indigenous community members who witnessed the alleged attempted terror attack at the Invasion Day rally in Perth have told a federal inquiry into racism and hate directed at First Nations people that they felt dismissed and ignored by authorities. The inquiry, focused on racism and hate directed at First Nations people, heard testimony from community members who felt their concerns were not adequately addressed by law enforcement.

Western Australia police declared the incident was being investigated as a terror attack nine days after an alleged homemade bomb, filled with ball bearings, screws and other projectiles, was thrown into the crowd of 2,000 people at Forrest Place on 26 January. The device was reportedly intended to cause mass casualties during the rally.

Perth man Liam Alexander Hall has been charged with terrorism offences and is in custody. His lawyers have indicated he intends to plead not guilty by way of insanity, according to court documents. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities working to understand the full scope of the alleged attack and its motivations.

Police were reportedly aware of unspecified threats prior to the 26 January rally but did not engage with organisers until after the alleged bombing attempt. This timeline has become a point of contention for community representatives who feel this delayed response contributed to their sense of being overlooked and unprotected. The inquiry aims to examine systemic issues contributing to racism and to recommend measures to prevent future incidents.