Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe says it is a "lie" that authorities had no intelligence warning of an attack before January 26, stating she was given a dossier by security services outlining potential violence in the days leading up to Invasion Day rallies.
A 31-year-old Perth man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with terrorism offences on Wednesday after allegedly attempting to bomb the Invasion Day rally in Boorloo / Perth on January 26.
"It will be alleged the man removed a homemade improvised explosive device and threw it at a rally held in support of First Nations people in the Perth CBD," Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett said at a press conference on Thursday.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch described the incident as a "nationalist and racially motivated attack ... targeting members of the Aboriginal community".
He said authorities, including intelligence agencies and WA Police, "had no intelligence ... that this attack was being prepared".
Asked about those comments, Senator Thorpe told reporters in federal parliament: "That's a lie."
"That's an absolute lie. There was an ASIO [Australian Security Intelligence Organisation] report, I saw it — it was three pages — clearly articulating the probable likelihood of an attack," she alleged.
"I was told by the AFP that there was no risk. So from what I saw on this ASIO report — and what I was told by the AFP — were completely different stories."
National Indigenous Times does not suggest the dossier the Senator received was about any specific rally or event. It is understood that the briefing Senator Thorpe received was on threats more broadly on the date, rather than an attack in Perth on January 26.
The Senator, who appeared visibly emotional during the press conference, said she did not attend Invasion Day rallies this year because she had been warned of a "probable threat" by security agencies.
"So, for the authorities not to tell anybody about that threat, and then, on top of that lie [to say] that there was no threat [in Perth], I think goes to show that we've got a big problem with accountability and transparency of those authorities that are meant to keep people safe," she said.
Asked whether the report she received identified a specific group, Senator Thorpe said: "It was a probable assessment for the 26th of January."
"So that was wherever people were gathering for whatever reason, and it did articulate high office holders. So, that means Australia Day gatherings, invasion, day gatherings, Day of mourning gatherings. Lone wolves basically," she added.
Addressing the House after the charges were laid, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the First Nations community, "We stand with you".
"I know that First Nations people around Australia are grappling with that," he said.
"The combination of disbelief, anger and real fear and I have met with a number of Indigenous leaders in the last 24 hours about this. As a government, as a parliament and as a nation we see you and we stand with you. We will do everything required to keep you and your loved ones safe."
In a statement, shadow minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Kerrynne Liddle said the formal designation of the January 26 incident as a terrorist attack was "deeply serious and profoundly disturbing".
"There is no justification for terrorism, hatred or violence. It has is absolutely no place in Australian society. Unity, respect and the rule of law must always prevail," Senator Liddle said.
"I note the escalation of charges and like many others will follow the court proceedings. Australians must be able to participate in public events and express their views peacefully and lawfully, without fear of violence or intimidation. That is central to the values of this country and the rights of its citizens."
The South Australian Senator said her thoughts are with "all those impacted by this attack".
"Anyone needing support is encouraged to contact 13YARN, the national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or other available helplines," Senator Liddle said.
