JEFF MICHAEL, HOST: Police have upgraded their investigation into an alleged homemade bomb, which was allegedly thrown into the crowd at Perth's Invasion Day rally. It's now a potential terrorist attack. Police were quick to arrest a 31 year old man and search his northern suburbs home. He has faced court. Joining us now is the federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Malarndirri McCarthy. Welcome to Noongar Radio.
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY, MINISTER FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: Hi, Jeff. How are you and a big hello to all your listeners there.
HOST: I suppose we're all good. I suppose perhaps people are a bit shocked and shaken as well.
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Absolutely. I've been certainly talking to quite a lot of people in Perth, but just across WA and I just want to thank those people who've reached out to me as well, whether they've made calls to my offices or just contacted me through my staff, so we're certainly here for you.
HOST: Now, I suppose yourself Malarndirri, what did you make of this incident when you first heard of it?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Well it was certainly a real concern, Jeff, completely outrageous to even contemplate that a peaceful rally could be so seriously disrupted in such a way. I'm being very careful with my words because I know that a person has been charged and there is a process, a legal process underway Jeff, and I certainly don't want to jeopardise it by saying something that could impact that. But it was a real, real alarm to see that occur and to get the messages that I did from people who attended, but even those who didn't attend but had family members attend. We should all be able to protest in our country. It is a democratic right, and we should do it peacefully, and we should do it safely.
HOST: Senator Lidia Thorpe has urged the federal government to respond as decisively to the rising threats against First Nations people as it did to the antisemitic attack at Bondi. Now, what's your view Malarndirri?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: I certainly appreciate the passion of fellow senators like Senator Thorpe. This incident that has occurred and is being investigated is incredibly serious. I'm certainly going to be working with my colleagues in the Parliament when we return on Monday, Tuesday Jeff. This is something we are taking seriously. You do have the WA Police, ASIO and the AFP immediately involved in this, and you couldn't have it more serious in terms of the investigation straight away.
HOST: Now, the Premier, Roger Cook, he was quick to call a press conference that afternoon and understand the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement that the full force of the law should be used, but I suppose I haven't heard much from the opposition and other parties. Now, why do you think they haven't said much about this?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Well, it's interesting you say that Jeff and you would know with your program who's speaking, especially there in Western Australia. And it's really telling, isn't it, that we certainly don't even hear from people like the potential aspirant for leadership in Andrew Hastie; someone who speaks, supposedly, about wanting to see a safe Australia, make no comment, and it really is quite telling, isn't it? So, this is the incredible challenge that we have, certainly in the Parliament, when you have different politicians from other political persuasions, in particular from the Coalition or the no-alition now, because they're not a Coalition anymore, are they, Jeff? It's the Liberals on one side and the Nationals on the other. The fact that they're too busy talking about themselves to even come out and speak, even in sympathy, empathy, some kind words to our mob about what has happened. There doesn't seem to be any of that and listening to you, it clearly hasn't happened there.
HOST: Now there has been a fair bit of whataboutism, especially on social media, after this, including people saying what about an Australian flag being burnt in Brisbane. How would you compare the two incidents?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Well, let’s stay focused on this. A man has been charged. If that had gone off there would have been a different scenario here, one that could have been with tragic circumstances and tragic conclusions Jeff. I have appreciated that those people who have spoken out have spoken strongly on this. I do acknowledge that Senator Kerrynne Liddle has also come out and we know that there are good people who are trying to unify this country and bring our country together. And I will stay focused on that.
HOST: Finally, Malarndirri, what does this mean for future public gatherings?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Look, can I just say to your listeners and especially to those people who I have spoken to, this is a really difficult time but it should never stop us, as not only First Nations people but as all Australians, to be able to believe that we can demonstrate peacefully in this country. And I think once the investigation takes its course and concludes, I would certainly say to organisers and people involved, safety will always have to be paramount. But I would also say that protesting, your democratic right, is also critical as part of a democratic country.
HOST: And I suppose another question I have to put to you Malarndirri, when will we see you here in the west, are you going to come to Perth soon?
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Well look, I loved it when I was there. I've been certainly up in the northern part of Western Australia in terms of working with the jobs program and trying to get mob in our remote and regional areas, some jobs. I was very happy to be there for the NADOC National Week and I am more than happy to come anytime. So, just let me know, Jeff. Might be sooner rather than later, let me tell you.
HOST: Alright Minister, nice to get you on the program today to talk about a very concerning incident that's happened here in Perth.
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Thank you, and just a big shout out of love to all your listeners. Yo, bauji barra.
HOST: Alright, good to have you on the program today.
MALARNDIRRI McCARTHY: Thank you.