Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has used his annual Closing The Gap address in Parliament to strongly condemn the racism and hatred that fueled the recent bomb scare at a Perth Invasion Day rally. In a powerful speech delivered on Thursday, Mr Albanese connected the alleged terrorist act to broader issues of white supremacy and discrimination facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Details of the Perth Bomb Attack
A 31-year-old man has been charged with engaging in a terrorist act after allegedly making and throwing a homemade explosive device into a crowd on January 26. This marks the first such terrorism charge in Western Australia's history. The incident, which is under investigation as a terrorist act, occurred during an Invasion Day rally, sparking widespread shock and fear among attendees.
Footage from the WA rally shows a man allegedly throwing bomb into the crowd. Credit: WA Police
Albanese's Message of Solidarity
In his address, the Prime Minister expressed solidarity with Indigenous Australians, stating, I know that since the alleged terrorist attack in Perth, many of you have been providing comfort to people grappling with shock and fear. He emphasized the government's support, saying, We see you. We stand with you. Mr Albanese underscored that the attack was motivated by racism and white supremacy ideology, asserting that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the right to gather and express views without fear of violence.
Closing The Gap Progress and Challenges
The speech comes 18 years after former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's apology to Indigenous Australians. However, the latest Closing The Gap report reveals only four of the 19 targets are on track, with some areas stalling or regressing. Mr Albanese highlighted urgent action needed in key areas:
- Suicide rates, where Indigenous Australians are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
- Indigenous deaths in custody and incarceration rates.
- Breaking down barriers to wealth and economic sovereignty.
- Improving education outcomes.
Government Funding Announcements
As part of his speech, the Prime Minister announced a $144 million boost to Indigenous health services, aimed at upgrading over 100 facilities in urban and regional areas. Additionally, he pledged $13.9 million to enhance the national support line 13YARN, a crisis counselling service led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to address the suicide crisis.
Opposition Leader's Response
Then-Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also delivered a Closing The Gap address, calling for a shared national commitment to improve outcomes. She noted the concerning progress, with only four targets on track and four going backwards. Ms Ley focused on violence against Indigenous women, highlighting that they are 27 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence and involved in one-third of intimate partner homicides. She urged Australia to confront this reality and support bipartisan efforts.
The addresses underscore ongoing challenges in achieving equality for Indigenous Australians, with both leaders emphasizing the need for sustained action and unity in addressing discrimination and disadvantage.
