Revelations that a bomb reportedly hidden inside a child’s sock and packed with ball bearings, screws and explosive liquid was hurled into the crowd at Perth’s Invasion Day rally have triggered shock, anger and a wave of questions across Australia. But one question is dominating the public conversation: why haven’t police labelled the attack an act of terrorism?
For many, the incident bears all the hallmarks of a terror attack: a crowded public gathering, a device designed to cause maximum harm, and a target group made up largely of First Nations people and their allies. Social media users have voiced frustration, including one prominent Instagram commentator with more than 400,000 followers, who suggested the lack of a terrorism label may be linked to the identity of those targeted.
Police, however, say the legal threshold for terrorism is specific and they are still investigating whether the attacker’s motivations meet that standard.
“To be an act of terrorism it requires political, religious or ideological motivation,” WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch told reporters. “At this stage it’s a hostile act, and we are investigating whether those motivations existed.”
Blanch confirmed that the investigation is being supported by the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, with officers working to determine whether the suspect intended to advance a broader cause or ideology a key requirement under Australian counter‑terrorism law.
Another factor under consideration is whether police actually need the additional powers that come with formally declaring a terrorist incident. Those powers allow for expanded detention, search and intelligence capabilities, but are only activated when authorities believe they are necessary to prevent further harm.
For now, the attack remains classified as a violent criminal act but police stress that could change as evidence emerges.
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