Patrick Gorman (Perth, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to associate myself with the remarks of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition at the beginning of question time. For 45,000 years, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation have cared for Boorloo—that is, what is now known as the electorate of Perth. On 26th January 2026, in Forrest Place, they and thousands of others gathered peacefully. Minutes into the gathering, there was an alleged attack on First Nations people, driven by racism and hatred. That is not who we are, nor is it what we will allow Australia to become. This was an alleged attack on all Australians and on Australia's democracy. A homemade explosive device that did not detonate was thrown into a peaceful crowd. There were First Nations leaders, children, people from all walks of life. I had friends who were there. My children had their friends there as well. Today's news confirming this was an alleged terrorist act is another level of devastation.

I thank the AFP, WA police and ASIO officers who've worked tirelessly. I thank the civilians who responded swiftly and alerted police to the threat. We can all walk in the footsteps of these everyday heroes. If you see something, say something. The National Security Hotline is open every minute of every hour of every day on 1800123400.

I want to speak directly to those who feel the pain and heaviness of this news today. To the First Nations community in Perth, I stand with you. This parliament stands with you just as we stand with First Nations people across Australia who are hurting. Every Australian has the right to a shared sense of safety. I thank the Prime Minister, the Minister for Home Affairs, the Minister for Indigenous Australians and all colleagues who've offered support to people affected in both my electorate and their electorates. Australia must continue to walk together to build a country free from terror, a country free from racism, a country where we are free to exercise our fundamental democratic rights.