In the opening day of the 2026 federal parliamentary sitting, both chambers formally condemned the attempted bombing at Perth’s Invasion Day rally on 26 January, in which a homemade explosive was allegedly thrown into a peaceful crowd of approximately 2,500 people, many of whom were First Nations Australians. The device, reportedly filled with screws and ball bearings, failed to detonate, averting potential mass harm. A 31-year-old man has been charged with offences relating to the possession and attempted use of explosives, and the incident is under investigation as a potential terrorist act.
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe introduced the motion in the Senate, calling for urgent parliamentary action and recognition of the racism faced by First Peoples. “It asks the parliament to say clearly to First Peoples, ‘We hear you, we believe you, we recognise that racism and hatred directed at you are real and rising,’” she said. Senator Thorpe, along with Indigenous ALP senators Malarndirri McCarthy, Jana Stewart and Dorinda Cox, emphasised the trauma within the community and criticised the delay in political and media responses. McCarthy described the act as “an attack on all Australians,” highlighting that the device landed in a section of the rally designated for vulnerable attendees, including babies and people in wheelchairs.
The House of Representatives passed a similar motion, introduced by Kate Chaney, who stated: “Acts like these don’t just harm individuals, they undermine people’s sense of belonging and safety. When a marginalised group is targeted, the ripple effects extend far beyond those who were physically present.” Chaney’s leadership in tabling the motion signals a growing bipartisan recognition of the importance of confronting racially motivated violence and protecting democratic freedoms such as peaceful protest.
Although the Coalition supported condemning the violence, it opposed elements of the motion referring to 26 January as a “day of mourning,” arguing that the investigation was ongoing and broader political meaning should not yet be ascribed. Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians voiced concern that the incident was being politicised prematurely.
Solidarity was expressed beyond the floor of parliament. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry issued a public statement condemning the violence, noting their own recent experiences with targeted attacks and reaffirming support for protective legislation for all communities vulnerable to hate speech and violence. Their statement emphasised Australia’s democratic values and the need to uphold the right to peaceful protest.
WA Premier Roger Cook confirmed that the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is reviewing the evidence and a decision on terrorism-related charges is expected shortly. Cook underscored that if the bomb had exploded, the majority of casualties would have been First Nations people. "There can be no doubt about it," he said.
This parliamentary response, led in part by Kate Chaney, marks a significant moment in acknowledging the real and present threats faced by Indigenous Australians and reinforcing national unity against hate-fuelled violence.