Indigenous politicians from both major parties have condemned the attempted bombing at the Day of Mourning rally in Boorloo/Perth.
Western Australia Police allege a 31-year-old Warwick man attended the Survival Day/Invasion Day rally at Forrest Place on Monday, where an estimated 2,500 people had gathered.
They allege the man removed an item from his bag and threw it into the crowd from a first-floor walkway before fleeing the scene.
The item was later confirmed to be a homemade improvised explosive device, containing a mixture of volatile and potentially explosive chemicals, with nails and metal ball bearings attached to its exterior.
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In a statement, Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the incident could easily have resulted in a mass casualty event. The Northern Territory Senator said, "First Nations Australians, all Australians, should be able to gather peacefully without fearing for their safety".
"The targeting of a peaceful rally led by First Nations people is sickening.
"There is no place for hate, intimidation or racism of any form in Australia."
In a statement to National Indigenous Times, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, Kerrynne Liddle, echoed Senator McCarthy's statement, describing the alleged attack as "completely unacceptable", which should be "condemned unequivocally".
"There is no place for violence or intimidation in Australia, not ever. People must be free to protest peacefully without fear, regardless of their views," Senator Liddle said.
"Australia Day is a day where we should focus on what unites us, not what divides us. Australia is better than this.
"People impacted by the events in Perth, either directly or indirectly, should reach out to the various helplines, including on 13YARN."
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State Security Investigation Group officers have charged the man with one count of "Unlawful act or omission with intent to harm (endangering life, health or safety of any person)" and one count of "Making or possession of explosives under suspicious circumstances".
He appeared in court on Tuesday, where he was denied bail.
Police have said preliminary investigations indicate the suspect allegedly acted alone and that there does not appear to be any ongoing threat to the public related to the incident.
Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch said police are investigating whether the alleged offence should be classified as an act of terror.
