Perth Invasion Day rally: ‘Explosion’ fears force evacuation of Forrest Place

Hundreds of demonstrators have been evacuated from Forrest Place amid concerns there could be an explosion after reports an object was thrown into a crowd at an Invasion Day rally.

Police used megaphones to urge people protesting against the celebration of Australia Day on January 26 to immediately disperse.

“There is something in the crowd at this time. I cannot verify your safety. Please get out, your safety is paramount,” they called to the crowd, just before 1pm.

Police officers formed a tight, straight line to push people away from the exclusion zone, and performed a grid search of the public space. The protesters, meanwhile, began their planned march towards Stirling Gardens, although some remonstrated with police for some time over the break-up of their protest.

WA Police confirmed a threat was made and a man was in custody after the serious scare. People are still being urged to stay away from the cordoned-off area.

Police said the person in custody is assisting with their inquiries.

Meanwhile, a separate March for Australia made its way through the CBD shortly afterwards.

Hundreds of marchers, many draped in Australian flags, had earlier gathered at Wellington Square where One Nation WA leader Rod Caddies told them they were fighting for “the right for free speech”.

The Invasion Day event in Forrest Place had kicked off at midday with a traditional smoking ceremony and welcome to country, as protesters held signs reading, “always was, always will be Aboriginal land”, and “stolen land, stolen babies, stolen wages, stolen lives”.

Noongar elder Hedley Hayward said January 26 was a day of mourning to remember “the many who suffered under the heavy weight of invasion and ongoing settler colonialism.”

“This year marks 200 years since the invasion of Menang Country in the southwest of Noongar Boodjar, 200 years of strength, 200 years of survival, 200 years of truth, waiting to be honoured,” he said.

“I stand here as a Noongar elder and say this clearly: Our story did not end 200 years ago, our story is not finished today.

“All those who think they can stonewall, hide or (think) we will forget, you are on notice, we will never forget

“Not when our people are dying in custody, not when our children are being taken and locked away, not when our elders are denied support, not when our families are pushed into homelessness.”

Mr Hayward demanded an independent investigation into Aboriginal deaths in custody, and called on the government to close Casuarina Prison’s notorious Unit 18.

“We demand that every justice worker carries a real duty of care with mandated cultural awareness training,” he said.

“End the lockdowns, increase staffing, meet international prison standards — we demand housing justice, end homelessness, shelter is a human right for everyone.

“This is not about policy, this is about survival, every voice here matters, every lived experience matters, don’t let anyone tell you your voice is too small.

“When we come together, when we speak together, when we refuse to be silent together, this country has no choice but to listen.”