Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

On Sunday in Boorloo, Perth, on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja, my community came together in Forrest Place to reclaim the space that was shaken by hate. For tens of thousands of years, this place was part of a living system of wetlands, a place of meeting and belonging. Today it remains Boorloo's civic heart. What occurred on 26 January was an attack not only on First Nations people but also on a right to gather safely and belong. The racially motivated act intended to spread fear and division. When bigotry tries to silence, we speak louder. When fear takes hold, we reclaim the space through courage and solidarity. The harm was real. People were afraid to wear their colours. Elders felt safer to hide who they were. Some still replay that moment when the IED landed at their feet. The weight our mob now carries is still real.

Coming together does not erase that hurt, but it restores something vital in our community. Families, elders and young people gathered in culture and reflection to say clearly, 'This space belongs to our community, not to hate.' They stood alongside allies such as the premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook; federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy; and Assistant Minister Patrick Gorman—united in support. We know there is no simple fix to racism or extremism—not a framework, not a motion, not words alone. Real change demands more, and our government takes that responsibility seriously. Leadership was shown by our community on Sunday. In a place where fear was planted, people returned with culture, pride and unity. Forrest Place will not be remembered for the cowardice of the attacker but for how our community responded, stood strong and will continue to.