A Perth magistrate has lifted the anonymity of a man accused of hurling a bomb at a First Nations rally, making his identity public.
Liam Alexander Hall, aged 32, faces multiple charges in connection with the incident that allegedly occurred during an Invasion Day rally on January 26.
Hall has been charged with the possession or creation of an explosive device and with acting with the intent to cause harm immediately following the event.
Amid public outrage and a thorough investigation by a joint task force, Hall became the first individual in the state’s history to be charged with terrorism-related offenses.
Initially, his identity was kept confidential after his first appearance in Perth Magistrate’s Court last month due to concerns for his safety.
However, Magistrate Lynette Dias has now determined that continuing to conceal Hall’s identity could obstruct the course of justice.
“Public interest will generally prevail over the adverse personal consequences to litigants and to those associated with them,” she said on Tuesday.
“Media should be able to report on any matter that appears before the court, generally speaking, to provide a fair and accurate report.”
Hall was due to appear in court, however his case was adjourned until next month.
More than 2000 people had gathered in Boorloo Perth’s CBD on January 26 for the annual Invasion Day rally.
Police allege Hall tossed a small glass device, containing volatile liquids and shrapnel, into the middle of the crowd, where organisers say Elders, children and mobility-challenged people had gathered.
Speaking on Tuesday morning about the attempted bombing, the prime minister Anthony Albanese said the idea of a racially motivated attack was “frightening”.
“The alleged perpetrator allegedly threw this device into a crowd,” he told the ABC.
“It would have injured and killed many people had it exploded.”
Mr Albanese noted the increased calls to Indigenous helpline 13YARN, and flagged an increase in funding announced last week.
“We set up the system so that people could get the mental health support.
“I encourage people to reach out.”
