Human Rights Commission urges action on racism after Perth rally bomb incident
The Australian Human Rights Commission has called for more action against racism in Australia following a bomb incident at an Invasion Day rally in Perth’s CBD on Monday, which one commissioner warned could be “potentially as deadly as the Bondi terror attack”.
A homemade bomb was thrown from the rooftop balcony of the Myer building into a crowd of protesters in Forrest Place, but it did not explode; The incident is currently being investigated as a “potential act of terrorism” by a joint counterterrorism team of state and federal officials.
A 31-year-old man from Perth’s north, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in court on Tuesday accused of making an improvised explosive device and throwing it into a crowd.
Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss said Invasion Day rallies were spaces for “truth telling, cultural strength and calls for justice not fear” and warned no one was safe from racial hatred.
“If the device had exploded the consequences would have been catastrophic and potentially as deadly as the Bondi terror attack,” he said.
“I call on the government and law enforcement to respond to this incident with the same urgency and seriousness.
“The antisemitism behind the Bondi attack shows how racist hatred can turn into horrific violence. No one is safe unless we are all protected from racist hatred.
“This horrific incident leaves First Peoples fearful of being targeted because of who they are and fearing that defending their democratic right to protest could have deadly consequences.”
Racial Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman said: “Hate and discrimination must be combated urgently and comprehensively.”
“Australian Human Rights Commission National Anti-Racism Framework“This law, which the federal government has not yet approved and implemented, offers an effective action plan in the fight against racism,” he said.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer. Precious lives and freedoms are at imminent risk.”
