WA Police say ‘timing’ a factor in potential terror declaration

A Perth stabbing attack has the “hallmarks” of a terror incident, but police say it is too early to make a formal declaration as counter-terror experts acknowledge deradicalisation programs don’t always succeed.

The Perth stabbing attack had all the “hallmarks” of a terror ­incident, but police in WA were last night still refusing to call it terrorism, saying it was too early to make a formal ­declaration.

Yesterday, more than 12 hours after the incident unfolded in a carpark in the Perth suburb of Willetton on Saturday night, Western Australian Police Commissioner Col Blanch said he was not prepared to declare it a terror attack “at this stage”, adding such a decision was about “timing”.

“It would be too early for me to act now because I don’t have the concerns of a broader network that might be involved,” he said.

The 16-year-old caucasian boy, who was shot dead by WA Police after he confronted them with a knife, was known to law enforcement, having been enrolled in a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) program after being radicalised online.

Mr Blanch confirmed he had spoken with NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb about the “issues” she went through in responding to Sydney’s stabbing attacks at Bondi Junction and also the confirmed terror incident at a church in Wakeley last month.

WA police commissioner Col Blanch says it is too early to make any terror declaration.

Asked why Saturday’s stabbing attack, which left an 18- year-old man injured, was not being designated as a terror incident, Mr Blanch said it “certainly had the hallmarks of one”, but he would await further investigations.

“I believe this is a person acting alone, I don’t need additional capability at this time,” he said.

My thoughts are with those who have been affected by the incident in the Perth suburb of Willetton overnight.

I have spoken with WA Premier Roger Cook this morning, and I thank the WA Police for acting swiftly to contain the incident.

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 5, 2024

The Perth attack has ignited a debate about the threat of radicalisation and efforts to reduce childrens’ exposure to online harms, with WA Premier Roger Cook confirming he would like to understand more about how the CVE program worked.

Dr Anne Aly says deradicalisation do not always have success. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The WA program was based on work by counter terror expert Dr Anne Aly, who is now Youth Minister in the Albanese Government.

“Deradicalisation programs are an important community safety measure,” Ms Aly said in the wake of the Perth incident.

“They are often successful but no program can guarantee success.

“It’s the sensitive nature of these programs that we often only hear about them when they don’t succeed.”

Ms Aly said her thoughts were with everyone involved in the Willeton attack.

“I commend and thank the WA police for their positive way they have worked with the Muslim community on this matter,” she said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says there is no place for violent extremism in Australia. Picture: Gaye Gerard-Pool/Getty Images

Peter Dutton says he supports the PM’s comments. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

Anthony Albanese was briefed by ASIO director general Mike Burgess and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw following the incident.

“I’m advised there is no ongoing threat to the community on the information available,” the Prime Minister said.

“We are a peace-loving nation and there is no place for violent extremism in Australia.”

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said he joined with the PM in reiterating this message.

Mr Dutton said reports the Perth teenager had been radicalised online was a matter of “deep concern”.

NSW Police released a statement confirming there was “no known threat to the community” arising from the WA incident.