STATEMENT ON ARREST IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

I have been briefed today by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett on today’s arrest in Western Australia.

For some time, our security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies have been warning that we are entering a new security environment. There are many different ideologies that can give rise to extremism. People can radicalise fast through a variety and sometimes through mixed ideologies.

White supremacist ideologies cover a wide variety of bigotry, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Every Australian, no matter who they are, has a right to be safe and feel safe. Whenever the temperature is higher, whenever those who promote hate feel emboldened, this increases the likelihood that violence will be planned and attempted.

Everybody has a responsibility to try to turn the temperature down.

The Australian Muslim community has been experiencing increased levels of islamophobia. Every action of bigotry flies in the face of who we are as Australians. Every Australian Muslim, just like every other Australian, has a right to be safe and feel safe. 

Every elected official who claims to care about national security has a responsibility to turn the temperature down.