An alleged attempted bombing at a Perth ‘Invasion Day’ rally is set to be condemned in parliament, with Senator Lidia Thorpe leading the charge. The incident, which occurred on January 26, involved an alleged homemade explosive device thrown into a crowd of protesters, sparking outrage and calls for a stronger governmental response.
Speaking to the ABC, Senator Thorpe criticized the federal government’s handling of the situation, describing it as “disrespectful” and insufficiently serious. She emphasized the trauma experienced by those present, stating, “Well, it’s our Invasion Day and our Day of Mourning, where we have gathered for decades on the 26th of January, to come together.”
Calls for National Attention
The alleged attack, targeting First Nations communities, has prompted calls for a national conversation on racial violence. Senator Thorpe argued that the government’s response was “very poor” and highlighted a perceived double standard in addressing violence against different communities.
“It’s all been watered down, compared to … other acts of violence … if it was a synagogue or a mosque, or what we saw at Bondi, (where) sadly, you know, too many people lost their lives,” she noted. “But if that bomb had gone off, it would have been just as bad.”
Parliamentary Motion and Political Dynamics
Senator Thorpe plans to introduce a motion in the Upper House, urging parliamentarians to set aside political differences and support a unified condemnation of the attack. She is currently negotiating with Labor to garner support for the motion in the Senate.
In a statement, she outlined the motion’s intentions: “The motion I will put forward condemns the attempted bombing, expresses solidarity with those affected, and acknowledges the deep trauma it caused.”
“It makes clear that racism and hate directed at First Peoples are real, rising, and must be taken seriously by this parliament.”
Historical Context and Community Impact
The January 26 rally, marking ‘Invasion Day,’ is a significant event for First Nations peoples, symbolizing a day of mourning and reflection on the impacts of colonialism. The alleged bombing attempt has intensified fears within the community, particularly among Noongar Elders and their families.
Senator Thorpe emphasized the need for a strong, united response from parliament, stating, “January 26 is already a Day of Mourning for many First Peoples. An attack on that day, at an Invasion Day rally, represents a serious escalation of racial violence.”
“First Peoples, particularly Noongar Elders and communities, need to hear clearly that this is being taken seriously.”
Looking Forward: Leadership and Solidarity
The incident has sparked broader discussions on leadership and the role of government in addressing racial violence. Senator Thorpe called for a clear condemnation from national leaders, including the Prime Minister, to denounce all forms of violence and racism.
“This motion is about recognition, responsibility, and peace. First Peoples just want to live safely, with dignity, and without fear. The whole parliament should stand with them in solidarity,” she asserted.
The alleged bombing, initially condemned by community and activist groups, also drew criticism for the delay in establishing a terror probe. As the parliamentary motion proceeds, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents are met with appropriate seriousness and action.
As the debate unfolds, the eyes of the nation will be on parliament, watching to see if a united front can be achieved in condemning this act and supporting the affected communities.
