‘Runs against heart of being Australian’: WA premier condemns alleged Invasion Day rally attack

A 31-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly throwing a device police claimed may have contained explosives into the crowd at an Invasion Day rally in the Perth CBD this afternoon.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the incident occurred just after the rally started at 12.30pm on Monday.

“As the speeches were taking place, members of the public who were situated at the upper level on the eastern side of Forrest Place, observed a male throw an object down in front of the stage area,” he said.

“Those members of the public immediately spoke to police who were also attending the rally ... police immediately responded.

“They arrested the person who threw the device, and that male indicated that the device may contain explosives.”

Blanch said protocols were immediately enacted by WA police.

“The device that was located just in front of the stage area contained ball bearings, contained screws, and those items were wrapped around an unknown … liquid in a glass container,” he said.

Blanch said forensics are currently in the process of identifying the liquid, which did not detonate.

He said it was rudimentary and about the size of a medium coffee cup.

“The male that was arrested is a 31-year-old from Warwick who is currently in the custody of police and being interviewed,” Blanch said.

“His house is currently being searched. No charges have been made at this time.

“There has been no injuries.

“We do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the community, particularly through the night’s events of Australia Day.”

Premier Roger Cook praised the efforts of WA police and also acknowledged the organisers and attendees of the event for their cooperation.

“This Australia Day should be about unity, not division,” Cook said.

“That a peaceful process protest was targeted in this fashion runs against the very heart of what it means to be Australian.

“Now more than ever, it is important that we treat each other’s views with respect.”

Police Minister Reece Whitby said the incident could have been disastorous.

“The incident - the detail of which was addressed by the Police Commissioner this afternoon - had the potential to be a mass casualty event,” he said.

“What happened today in Forrest Place was absolutely un-Australian.”

Thousands marched at the rally, which started at Forrest Place at noon.

At the same time, an opposing rally, March for Australia – encouraging Australians to embrace the date of Australia Day – was held at the other end of the city.

Invasion Day marchers chanted ‘Always was, always will be Aboriginal land’, while others held signs saying, ‘No pride in genocide, change the date’, and ‘Stop ignoring genocide’.

Meanwhile, the March for Australia rally saw another, smaller group of protesters gather at Wellington Square.

According to a Facebook page promoting the event, this year’s Perth March for Australia rally appears to focus more on “national pride” and keeping the public holiday on the traditional date.

The crowd, of less than 1000, many draped in Australian flags, chanted, ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie’, as One Nation WA leader Rod Caddies spoke.

“Where are the Liberals, where is Labor, where are the Nats?,” he asked.

“They are not here because they are too afraid, but not One Nation. Let me tell you what we’re fighting for – the right for free speech.”

A WA Police spokeswoman said a strong police presence would be maintained at both rallies, with officers to only intervene if a protest becomes unlawful, disorderly, or there is a threat posed to public safety.

“While there is no intelligence to suggest any heightened threat in WA, these high visibility patrols are in place to provide reassurance and demonstrate our commitment to keeping the community safe and preventing harm,” she said.

Similar rallies took place in other major capital cities around Australia as thousands use the national holiday to express their views.

In Sydney, an Invasion Day rally at Hyde Park opened with a tribute to the victims of the Lake Cargelligo shooting.

Photos of the victims Sophie Quinn, who was pregnant when she was allegedly murdered, her partner John Harris and Sophie’s aunt Nerida Quinn, were displayed at the protest.

In Melbourne, both rallies were several thousand people strong, with the Invasion Day march estimated to be at least twice the size of the March for Australia.

“Where are the Liberals, where is Labor, where are the Nats?,” he asked.

“They are not here because they are too afraid, but not One Nation. Let me tell you what we’re fighting for – the right for free speech.”

A WA Police spokeswoman said a strong police presence would be maintained at both rallies, with officers to only intervene if a protest becomes unlawful, disorderly, or there is a threat posed to public safety.

“While there is no intelligence to suggest any heightened threat in WA, these high visibility patrols are in place to provide reassurance and demonstrate our commitment to keeping the community safe and preventing harm,” she said.

Similar rallies took place in other major capital cities around Australia as thousands use the national holiday to express their views.

In Sydney, an Invasion Day rally at Hyde Park opened with a tribute to the victims of the Lake Cargelligo shooting.

Photos of the victims Sophie Quinn, who was pregnant when she was allegedly murdered, her partner John Harris and Sophie’s aunt Nerida Quinn, were displayed at the protest.

In Melbourne, both rallies were several thousand people strong, with the Invasion Day march estimated to be at least twice the size of the March for Australia.