The West Australian premier, Roger Cook, has called for an end to 'the language of division' in politics after a 20-year-old man was charged with preparing a terrorist attack. Jayson Joseph Michaels, from Bindoon, appeared at Perth magistrates court on Friday facing charges including acting in preparation for a terrorist act and possessing a prohibited weapon.
Police allegedly found a manifesto-style document outlining plans for a nationalist and racist ideologically motivated act involving mass casualties at his home. Cook joined Muslim leaders and the police commissioner at a Perth mosque on Saturday, urging political leaders to 'lower the temperature' of debate, particularly on immigration.
'Stop the language of division, which you see entering the mainstream political debate today – dog whistling under the guise of immigration policy,' Cook said. The Imam of the Perth mosque, Mohammed Shakib, also condemned divisive rhetoric from politicians, noting that Islamophobia has become normalised.
Police commissioner Col Blanch said white supremacy was not prevalent but a very small minority sought to do harm. Michaels was allegedly part of a group chat on Telegram with other Australians and overseas individuals. Blanch noted that young, lonely men can be radicalised online and urged care and support.
Michaels, refused bail, is next due in court on 23 March. The premier emphasised that terrorism is an act of hatred and division, and his government would do everything to stamp it out in Western Australia.
