Criticism levelled at the authorities investigating an explosives-laden caravan has been dismissed by a policing expert, as one state ramps up its response to a growing anti-Semitic crisis.
The caravan packed with explosives was found in Sydney’s northwest on January 19, with a note containing the addresses of Jewish institutions, sparking a massive multi-agency response.
The investigation and the vehicle were not publicly revealed for 10 days to ensure law enforcement would have “operational control”, while authorities have faced criticism for not informing the prime minister of the plot.
Anthony Albanese has also been accused of failing to put sufficient national security co-ordination arrangements in place, having reportedly only found out about the caravan after it was revealed in the media.
But University of New England associate professor in criminology and former police officer Michael Kennedy dismissed the criticism and said state police did not need to keep the PM in the loop.
“We live in a federation, and the state premiers don’t care what the prime minister wants, because they’re all independent … they don’t have to do what the PM wants,” he told AAP.
“If the PM wasn’t told, then they need to speak to Police Minister (Yasmin Catley) or NSW Premier (Chris Minns) because it’s their responsibility to let the prime minister’s office, not (NSW Police Commissioner) Karen Webb’s.”
Dr Kennedy added police had no obligation to inform the public about an ongoing threat particularly if it would risk an investigation, but said they should tell them after the event.
Mr Minns was briefed on January 20 – one day after the van was detected – but said he was under strict instructions to keep the operation to himself.
“There’s a very established protocol here, NSW Police will, from time to time, brief me and the police minister about major clandestine operations – they did in this set of circumstances,” he said.
“These are ongoing, often clandestine, confidential investigations that NSW Police are undertaking, and in order for them to be effective, the protocol needs to be followed.”
Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley led the charge in criticising both the police and the PM for how the investigation had been handled.
“I want the PM to succeed in getting on top of the escalation of violence and anti-Semitism we are seeing, but how can he do that if he has failed to put in place the right national security co-ordination arrangements?” she said.
The NSW premier announced a police strike force targeting anti-Semitic crimes in NSW has had its resources doubled to curb the rising threat.
High-visibility policing will also be restored outside Jewish schools, particularly at drop-off and pick-up times.
Late on Friday, police charged a man with the latest alleged anti-Semitic graffiti incident, in which the 37-year-old is accused of drawing a Nazi symbol and a swastika on a wall in Kingsford, near Sydney’s eastern beaches.
The man was charged with knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol without excuse in public and was refused bail to appear before the Parramatta Local Court later on Saturday.
Leaders have been urged to provide clear messaging to combat disinformation and conspiracy theories after the discovery the caravan.
The find is the latest in a series of disturbing incidents targeting Australia’s Jewish community and has already given rise to online conspiracies with people across the political spectrum claiming it was a “false flag” operation.
“In a context defined by polarisation and a lack of information – disinformation and conspiracy theories thrive,” Deakin University associate professor of politics Josh Roose told AAP.
“It’s critical that there is clear, concise communication from our political leaders and police agencies about what’s going on and, if not the precise details, at the very least their next steps.”
Conspiracy theories and anti-Semitism have a long and interwoven history, and both tend to take hold when times are tough and people are looking for someone to blame.
Byย Kat Wong and Alex Mitchellย in Canberra
