Western Australia police have charged a man with preparing for a terrorist act, alleging he was plotting attacks on public buildings including police stations, religious institutions, and parliament. The arrest comes as authorities across the country respond to extreme weather events and amid political fallout over a suppressed Liberal Party review of its 2025 election defeat.
Police will allege the man was developing plans for a “mass casualty event,” according to reports from ABC News and multiple other Australian news outlets. Details regarding the suspect’s identity and potential motivations remain limited as the investigation continues. The alleged plot was disrupted by authorities, preventing any attacks from taking place.
The arrest occurred against a backdrop of severe weather impacting multiple Australian states. Heavy rainfall has led to towns being cut off and vehicles being swept away, with some areas experiencing the heaviest rainfall in over a decade, ABC News reported. The extreme weather is prompting warnings for residents to exercise caution.
In political news, the Liberal Party has decided not to publish its review into the disastrous 2025 election result, a decision that has drawn criticism. The Guardian reported that the party executive agreed to permanently bury the review, sparking accusations of a cover-up. The decision follows similar reporting from SMH.com.au and The Canberra Times.
Elsewhere, the Western Force secured their first win of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, defeating Moana Pasifika 35-19, according to ABC News. This victory marks a turning point for the Force after a series of earlier losses.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the timeline of the alleged terror plot or the specific nature of the planned attacks. The investigation is ongoing, and further information is expected to be released as it becomes available. The ABC is continuing to follow developments in this story.
