Perth, WA — Western Australia faces heightened Australia Day security considerations after independent senator Lidia Thorpe alleged police held intelligence pointing to a possible attack at a January 26 rally. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch rejected that claim, saying there was no credible intelligence of an imminent threat tied to the event. The assertion has sparked debate about security planning for Australia Day activities and how threat information is shared with the public and with event organisers.
Authorities emphasise ongoing risk assessments and the need to balance public safety with civil liberties, as preparations for large public gatherings in Perth and other WA centres intensify in the lead-up to Australia Day. While officials have not released detailed threat assessments, they stress that policing aims to deter harm while ensuring lawful assembly and free expression.
What we know
- WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch publicly rejected Senator Thorpe’s assertion that police had intelligence indicating a likely attack at the January 26 rally.
- Authorities say there was no credible intelligence disclosed publicly that suggested an imminent threat connected to the Australia Day events in Perth.
- Security planning for Australia Day in Western Australia is ongoing, with agencies coordinating crowd management, traffic measures, and event safety protocols.
- Officials have maintained that threat monitoring remains a constant part of policing, though specific details are not disclosed for operational reasons.
- The discourse surrounding Thorpe’s claims has prompted discussions about information sharing, transparency, and how security decisions are communicated to the public.
What we don’t know
- Whether any form of intelligence related to the rally existed privately or in provisional form, and what its categorisation was.
- The precise scope of security measures planned for Australia Day events and whether adjustments were made in response to the claims.
- How police determine what threat information is suitable for public disclosure and what should remain restricted for operational reasons.
- Whether any discussions occurred between police and government officials about communicating risk to event organisers or the broader public.
- If there is ongoing scrutiny or review of information-sharing protocols connected to public gatherings and political events.
As Australia Day approaches, authorities reiterate a commitment to safety without compromising the right to assemble. Public safety teams are expected to maintain a visible presence at major city venues and transport hubs, with contingency plans ready to respond to any evolving risk landscape. Officials emphasise that security arrangements are standard practice for large-scale events, and any public updates will be guided by the latest threat assessment available to authorities.
