Watch 1m 46sThe man publicly labelled the mastermind behind a series of antisemitic attacks in Sydney has spoken exclusively to Four Corners, admitting he was involved in sourcing a caravan full of explosives. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) For subscription enquiries call 1800 077 514 or email [email protected] The abandoned caravan had sat idle for weeks on Derriwong Road in Dural until early December when one local resident decided it was becoming a road hazard and towed it onto his property a mixture of curiosity and concern prompted the same man to force the caravan open Discovering a cache of Powergel industrial explosives and a note listing a number of “Jewish entities” as targets – including a Sydney synagogue – the resident immediately alerted police https://youtu.be/jppPfmGZVUw the state and federal police had launched a covert joint counterterrorism investigation under the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team which includes ASIO and the NSW Crime Commission Quickly concluding that the caravan and its contents posed no direct threat the Joint Counter Terrorism Team began investigating its origins under “Operation Kissinger” investigators were treating the caravan as a possibly fabricated terror plot a politically charged debacle that risked both diminishing the seriousness of the rising wave of hate crimes and vastly overstating the imminent danger is only just becoming clear The episode has highlighted the ways in which such issues are quickly weaponised in the media and in the heat of an imminent election campaign vaulting over the appropriate investigation process director of national security programs at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute describes that process as one of careful coordination: “Law enforcement and intelligence agencies must first confirm the credibility and specifics of a threat before making it public ensuring that premature disclosures do not inadvertently amplify the threat “Authorities must ensure timely and transparent communication that neither underplays nor sensationalises threats,” says Coyne “Trust in government communications is key; therefore fact-based and resistant to political manipulation.” This is not how things unfolded from January 20 Premier Chris Minns and other senior NSW officials were briefed about the caravan’s discovery police launched coordinated raids across multiple properties adjacent to where the caravan was discovered while another focused on a home in Sydney’s west Both operations were conducted under Strike Force Pearl the recently established NSW Police Force investigation into anti-Semitic incidents Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an urgent meeting of national cabinet the intergovernmental forum comprising the prime minister and state and territory leaders to respond to the alarming surge in anti-Semitic hate crimes Albanese said the Australian Federal Police (AFP)commissioner had briefed national cabinet on the latest police intelligence about anti-Semitic hate crimes But it later emerged that Kershaw informed neither national cabinet nor the prime minister about the discovery of the caravan when details of the investigation were leaked to Sydney newspaper The Daily Telegraph Premier Minns convened a press conference alongside the NSW deputy police commissioner confirming the discovery of the explosives-laden caravan Hudson made it clear police harboured suspicions that the caravan could be part of a carefully staged hoax with police investigating “whether someone was looking for some assistance at court whether someone was going to disclose the existence of those explosives to us prior to it being recovered by a member of the community and towed to a safe place” While Hudson said NSW Police Force had not declared the discovery of the caravan a terrorist incident Minns chose instead to focus on the explosives’ potential blast radius of up to 40 metres “This is the discovery of a potential mass casualty event,” Minns said “There’s only one way of calling it out and that is terrorism.” Asked on Sydney radio the next morning by the ABC’s Craig Reucassel whether he also classified the discovery of the caravan as terrorism “I agree with Chris Minns,” Albanese added but it’s also designed to create fear in the community it hasn’t been designated yet by the NSW police including by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team.” When Albanese refused to say when he was first briefed on the caravan “The prime minister refused to say on ABC Radio this morning when he was briefed,” opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson told ABC Radio’s Hamish Macdonald later that day “There is no good operational reason why the prime minister should refuse to say when he was briefed about this and he must be up-front today,” he said “Was he briefed on the 20th of January like the premier was And what actions did he take after he was briefed did he convene the National Security Committee of cabinet or not?” At a press conference in Melbourne on January 30 at Boronia Heights Primary School faced further questions about when he was first briefed “There are two issues that are my priority,” Albanese said “The first is making sure that people are kept safe is making sure that any investigations aren’t undermined and that the police and national security agencies are able to do their work Every day I get a national security briefing.” A few days later Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called for an independent inquiry into the government’s handling of the caravan investigation “I think the prime minister should appoint an eminent Australian from the law enforcement and intelligence community to have a transparent look at what has failed here because we can’t have what could have been the most catastrophic terrorist event in our country’s history and the prime minister doesn’t know about it until the public does,” said Dutton Appearing on the ABC’s Insiders program on February 2 Dutton revealed that he had spoken with the director-general of ASIO about the caravan incident and had received AFP briefings “We’ve had James Paterson and our people have had briefings in relation to it I’ve spoken – and I’m not going to go into the private details of text messages I’ve had with Mike Burgess – but I know this space very well … and I can’t believe that the prime minister hasn’t been informed,” Dutton said When Albanese was asked about the caravan in parliament two days later the discovery of the caravan had morphed into “a planned mass casualty terror attack against Sydney’s Jewish community” “The leader of the opposition always has briefings made available when they’re requested,” Albanese told parliament “He has not requested a briefing at this time.” one Labor adviser tells The Saturday Paper was that it was already becoming quite clear to people close to the investigation that the caravan was not part of a planned terror attack “The opposition did not request a briefing because they wanted to keep stoking this issue and not have to own up to the fact that it was by then pretty obvious to everyone investigating the caravan that it had nothing to do with an actual terrorist incident,” says the Labor adviser the caravan had largely disappeared from daily headlines – until Saturday political editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald reported that police had turned their attention to organised crime gangs as the likely source of the explosives Police also confirmed to Crowe that Powergel explosives found inside the caravan were up to 40 years old and that underworld crime figures had “offered to reveal plans about the caravan weeks before its discovery by police hoping to use it as leverage for a reduced prison term.” which had been described as a “potential mass casualty event” by Minns and “a planned mass casualty terror attack against Sydney’s Jewish community” by Dutton NSW Police Force and the AFP revealed their investigation had concluded that the Dural caravan incident was not a genuine terrorist plot but a fabricated scheme orchestrated by organised crime with investigators labelling it a “criminal con job” rather than an ideologically driven attack​ the apparent motive was for the orchestrator – described as “the person pulling the strings” – to benefit from the resulting chaos such as by trading information to authorities or influencing their own criminal prosecutions 14 people have been arrested in relation to the broader string of staged anti-Semitic incidents across Sydney and more than 140 charges have been laid for offences including arson With the full results of the joint police investigation now out in the open it was the Albanese government’s turn to go on the attack with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke leading the charge Peter Dutton made a decision to not find out the facts from the Australian Federal Police to ignore the advice from ASIO in lowering the temperature simply because it suited his self-promotion ambitions,” Burke told the ABC’s Sally Sara on Tuesday “Now that is the very definition of being reckless with national security a private-sector consultant who specialises in counterterrorism risk management with more than 20 years’ experience in Australia’s federal security community tells The Saturday Paper the Powergel explosives appeared to have been “repeatedly stolen in small quantities over a period of time to build up a cache of stock comprising a variety of production batch numbers” “Police will presumably be tracking to whom and when the various batches were sold and transported to investigate and try and identify the persons involved in the multiple thefts,” says Fergus Powergel is a detonator sensitive emulsion explosive and should not be transported nor stored with detonators.” While Fergus believes current controls are fairly robust and effective the perennial problem confronting authorities is when an “insider” involved in legitimate blasting operations pilfers small amounts while they are working “It is very difficult to detect,” says Fergus repeat thefts of the type believed to have occurred can result in a substantial cache eventually being built up.” cases of deception by organised crime elements as described by the AFP and NSW Police Force The Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s John Coyne also emphasised that even though police have concluded the caravan incident was a hoax it has still resulted in increased anxiety among targeted communities can achieve the very objective of actual terrorism: sowing fear such incidents can erode public confidence in government institutions and law enforcement’s ability to protect citizens,” Coyne said repeated exposure to false alarms risks desensitising the public making them either overly reactive or dismissive in the face of real threats can exploit these fears to undermine Australia’s social cohesion and democratic resilience,” he says “The challenge for security agencies is not just countering threats but also managing their secondary effects ensuring that fear does not drive division or lead to overreach in policy responses.”  Share this subscriber exclusive article with a friend or family member using share credits use share credits to share this article with friend or family Share credits renew each month and allow a non-subscriber to read a full article Subscribe to The Saturday Paper for less than $2.30 a week Phone   1800 077 514 Email    [email protected] Email    [email protected] © 2025 The Saturday Paper. All rights reserved. police have arrested and charged 14 people with 65 offences following investigations into antisemitic incidents across Sydney's east The arrests were unrelated to the Dural caravan.NSW Police deputy commissioner David Hudson and Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Krissy address media following the arrests What we know so far about the explosive-laden Dural caravan and the investigation are new hate crime laws largely 'symbolic' 'Terrible people' behind three fresh antisemitic incidents ShareGet SBS News daily and direct to your InboxSign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.Your email address *Morning (Mon–Fri) Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe NSW Police are investigating explosives found in a caravan on a rural property outside Sydney and signs they might have been intended for an antisemitic attack in what Premier Chris Minns described as the “discovery of a potential mass casualty event” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese quickly issued a statement to “condemn unquivocally this act” after police on Wednesday revealed the discovery of the explosives and called it an escalation in a wave of recent anti-Jew hatred SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. 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Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time A man has been charged with murder after the body of a man linked to Sydney’s drug trade was found partially buried in a paddock on the city’s north-western fringe last week was arrested on Sunday afternoon after being discovered by police asleep in a vehicle outside a Glenorie home and was charged in connection with the death of Johnny Birch who was discovered partially buried in a paddock near a separate Glenorie home on March 14 who had reported him missing about 9pm the previous evening A manhunt had been taking place around the ordinarily quiet suburb of Dural since Police established crime scenes at the paddock and a nearby home on the day of the body’s discovery and specialist and forensic officers were deployed to examine the area The Hills Police Area Commander Superintendent Naomi Moore said police had been looking for French for several days before finding him at a home they’d previously searched as part of investigations “It’s an address that’s known to us and known to him … today it was part of our follow-up we went there and located him in a vehicle sleeping on the property,” Moore said Moore wouldn’t rule out further arrests in connection with Birch’s death A relative of Birch who asked to remain anonymous said a cousin of Birch had found his body after becoming concerned for his welfare It is unclear how long Birch’s body had been in the paddock or when he was killed and they went looking for him,” the relative said “They obviously knew something about where he was going.” The relative said Birch had served several stints in prison and had links to the drug trade what he did [outside] of family was a bit shaky.” During an hours-long operation in Middle Dural on Friday police spoke to an 80-year-old woman at an address on Old Northern Road as part of ongoing inquiries and a 35-year-old woman were arrested at the property on March 14 but they were released without charge the following morning A man has been charged with murder after the body of a man linked to Sydney\\u2019s drug trade was found partially buried in a paddock on the city\\u2019s north-western fringe last week Police established crime scenes at the paddock and a nearby home on the day of the body\\u2019s discovery The Hills Police Area Commander Superintendent Naomi Moore said police had been looking for French for several days before finding him at a home they\\u2019d previously searched as part of investigations \\u201CIt\\u2019s an address that\\u2019s known to us and known to him \\u2026 today it was part of our follow-up we went there and located him in a vehicle sleeping on the property,\\u201D Moore said \\u201CThese people were known to each other Moore wouldn\\u2019t rule out further arrests in connection with Birch\\u2019s death It is unclear how long Birch\\u2019s body had been in the paddock or when he was killed \\u201CHe\\u2019d been missing for a short time and they went looking for him,\\u201D the relative said \\u201CThey obviously knew something about where he was going.\\u201D \\u201CHe had a few issues,\\u201D they said what he did [outside] of family was a bit shaky.\\u201D People in the quiet farmland suburb initially ‘didn’t really pay that much attention’ to the caravan now at the centre of a suspected antisemitic bomb plot some thought it was part of a council cleanup Others later hypothesised the vehicle had been stolen and abandoned On Wednesday, the caravan was revealed to be at the centre of a suspected antisemitic bomb plot, with New South Wales police saying the van contained a list of Jewish targets and enough explosives to create a 40-metre blast zone. “Nothing like this happens here,” one resident, who asked not to be named, told Guardian Australia. “The most you see is a dead kangaroo.” a quiet farmland suburb of about 8,000 residents on Sydney’s fringe is home to a large number of affluent families and retirees More than 80% of the community own their house outright or with a mortgage Many of its grand homes are set on large acres with artificial water features only accessible behind high gates fixed with intercoms the NSW deputy police commissioner David Hudson said a resident had first seen the caravan parked on the side of the road on 7 December he had towed it onto his property in Dural Show7 December 2024 A caravan is parked on the side of the road in Dural a semi-rural suburb in Sydney’s north-west believing it is parked in a hazardous position for road users In addition to Powergel explosives capable of creating a 40-metre wide blast radius in the caravan there is also a note containing the name of targets including a Sydney synagogue and remarks about Jews State and federal police launch a covert joint counter-terrorism investigation the registered owner of the caravan was in custody on separate matters related to weapons and drug charges including a Dural address next to the property where the caravan had been towed Another home in Sydney’s west is also raided Anthony Albanese convenes national cabinet to address “the shocking rise of antisemitic hate crimes” Leaders agree to set up a national database and federal police reveal foreign actors may be orchestrating recent attacks Details of the caravan are leaked and reported by The Daily Telegraph They make public the investigation into the “potential mass casualty event” Thank you for your feedback.Hudson said on 19 January – six weeks after towing it onto his property – the resident had decided to open the caravan and found the explosives inside “Our investigation is looking at whether the caravan and its contents are acts in preparation for a terrorism event,” Hudson said adding the resident who towed the caravan was a “witness” “There were searches conducted in relation to the recovery of the caravan at a number of properties.” Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Robert, the landlord of two houses near where the caravan was first parked who did not wish to use his surname, said he had passed the caravan, which was tucked in an enclave next to his house, “two or three times”. He “didn’t know why it was sitting there” and assumed it was part of a council cleanup. Robert alleged his block of land, which is tenanted to two elderly women and a son with a disability, was subject to a raid without notice on 21 January by about 20 Australian federal police and a terrorist squad. “They smashed all the doors down,” he said. “[The son] was handcuffed and knocked around [before being released]. I fully understand terrorism is a terrible thing and especially … antisemitism, there’s nothing worse than that in Australia. [But the caravan] was never, ever on the property, it was up the road. [The explosives] have no relation to us.” Robert said a complaint had been lodged with his local member over the treatment of the residents. Asked if it was “frightening” to know explosives were sitting metres from his tenants, he replied: “What do you say to that? Someone pulls up outside your house with some explosives, would you be frightened?” Guardian Australia contacted Julian Leeser and Mark Hodges, the local federal and state members, for comment. The AFP declined to comment. Free newsletterGet the most important news as it breaks Ante Topic lives opposite the property where the caravan was found by police. The site is unassuming – a brown brick house and a small dam, surrounded by a field of grass with horses, goats and sheep. He initially saw the vehicle about 500 metres down the street in early December. A few weeks after that, he said it was moved out of the way in front of his neighbour’s property. Approximately two weeks ago, he said it was relocated again further onto the property, where it remained until the raid. “I didn’t really pay that much attention to it,” Topic said. “I just thought someone was living out of it.” Topic said his neighbourhood had always been “really quiet, really good”, but that had changed with the arrival of the caravan. He recalled getting home on the Sunday evening of 19 January and seeing two police cars before “big surveillance vans rocked up”. Read more“A bomb squad truck came and I went to bed, it was pretty late,” he said. “We couldn’t leave, the neighbours couldn’t go on to their property, it was all blocked off. Nothing like this has ever happened.” Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, only officially moved into their house two days ago. He was also contacted by the police last week but had little information to give them. “It’s come as a surprise to us, all this strange stuff going on,” he said. “We did see the caravan up the other side of the dam, supposedly it was on the street before that … we only ever saw it tucked into the shrub [on the property that it was moved to]. “It struck me when I first saw it – it was a big van, an expensive looking van … and it wasn’t parked like you’d park a van, it was all tilted to one side, and padlocked.” The registered owner of the caravan was in custody at the time it was located based on “peripheral” matters to the investigations, NSW police have confirmed. Two further arrests have been made “on the periphery” of the incident. No one has been charged in relation to the explosives found in the caravan. Peter Dutton calls on PM to publicly declare when he learned of suspected ‘con job’ but declines to say whether he was also told of police theory Anthony Albanese says he was told “very early on” that investigators believed the Dural caravan plot was a “hoax” as both major parties point the finger over whether their decisions to quickly label the saga terrorism was appropriate The Australian federal police revealed on Monday the caravan incident was allegedly concocted by criminals who wanted to cause fear for personal gain – not inflict a “mass casualty event” in Sydney. Read moreThe AFP deputy commissioner Krissy Barrett said investigators “almost immediately” had considered the caravan to be “a fabricated terrorism plot – essentially a criminal con job” The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, would not say whether his conversations with Asio boss, Mike Burgess, on 18 February revealed the hoax theory. But he called on Albanese to publicly declare when he was informed by police it was their leading theory. “If the prime minister had knowledge that this was a hoax, why didn’t he tell the Jewish community to try and assuage some of their fears that they rightly had?” he said. On Wednesday afternoon, Albanese indicated he had known “very early on” of the ties to organised crime, without specifying a date. The prime minister said he did not share suspicions the plot was a hoax because “police have to be allowed to do their job”. “The police have to be allowed to undertake their investigations and to do so in a way that does not alert the perpetrators of this activity to be conscious that they were onto them,” he told ABC radio. In an earlier press conference, Albanese criticised the opposition for pressing him for further details on the investigation. “What I chose to do, in spite of some of the media commentary, and in spite of the criticism of the opposition, was to act in our interest,” he said. “[To] back security agencies, back the Australian federal police and allow them to do their job and that is what responsible leadership looks like – not the commentary that we saw from members of the Coalition.” 2:29Explosives left in Sydney caravan in 'fake terrorism plot' aimed at stoking fear, AFP says – videoAlbanese insisted while the incident was eventually revealed as a hoax, the fear felt by the community, particularly those in the Jewish community, was “very real”. In budget estimates on Wednesday, the NSW deputy police commissioner, David Hudson, said state police ruled out the prospect the caravan plot was a terrorist threat on 21 February. Hudson said he briefed the NSW police minister, Yasmin Catley last Friday, once he felt “confident that it was more the hoax [theory]”. Earlier on Wednesday, the shadow home affairs minister, James Paterson, defended his and the opposition’s decision to describe the incident as a potential mass-casualty terrorism event weeks after it became public. “Political leaders represent the people that they are elected to represent, and we are expected to reflect how they feel based on the best information we had at the time,” he told ABC radio. “And we did that. And I do not regret one word that I said at that time.” Members of the opposition, including Paterson, the MP for Berowra, Julian Leeser, and Western Australia senator Michaelia Cash, attended an AFP briefing about the incident on 30 January. An adviser within Dutton’s office also attended the online briefing, though this is disputed by government sources. Paterson said at no stage did the AFP say the incident was a hoax. “They said that all lines of inquiry were open, that they were taking it very seriously, and that the counter-terrorism squad was investigating,” he said. Read moreThe home affairs minister, Tony Burke, accused Dutton of “deliberately” keeping himself in the dark on key details about the “fake terrorism plot” for his political advantage – a claim Dutton has denied. Shortly after the 30 January briefing, Dutton said the incident could have been the “most catastrophic terrorist attack in our country’s history”. He has also called for an inquiry into the incident response to ascertain who in the federal government knew what, and when. Both Albanese and the NSW premier, Chris Minns, labelled the incident a terrorist event. At an initial police press conference on 29 January, Minns said this was the “discovery of a potential mass casualty event”. “There’s only one way of calling it out, and that is terrorism. That’s what we’re very worried about. This would strike terror into the community, particularly the Jewish community, and it must be met with the full resources of the government,” he said. Minns said it “would have been negligent not to take this incredibly seriously” on Tuesday when asked whether his initial response was overblown. Guardian Australia has asked the attorney general’s office whether alternative theories were briefed at the 30 January meeting. Watch 6m Explosives found in Dural may have been intended for anti-Semitic attack is now at the centre of a terrorism investigation NSW PREMIER: This is the discovery of a potential mass casualty event There's only one way of calling it out PRIME MINISTER:  There’s zero tolerance in Australia for hatred and for anti-Semitism and I want any perpetrators to be hunted down and locked up JASON OM:  About 10 days ago police swarmed this property after they were tipped off about a caravan on the roadside NEIGHBOUR: I think probably about 20 odd cops there There was a few plain clothes and a few marked clothes and then there was like CSI guys out the back explosives - enough for a blast 40 metres wide they say NSW DEPUTY POLICE COMM:  Obviously the discovery and the detection of the caravan contained with an amount of explosives was not going to be used in the normal anti-Semitic attack that we have seen This is certainly an escalation of that with the use of explosives that have the potential to cause a great deal of damage JASON OM:  Police say the explosives used in mining were intended for an anti-Semitic attack on targets they won’t disclose DAVID HUDSON:  I don't think it's appropriate to nominate the targets but the Jewish community will be made aware of those and have been JASON OM:  Now while the police are focused on this property the owner has told us that he and the residents had nothing to do with the caravan he says that the caravan was parked a few metres away up the road Can you categorically say you have nothing to do with this caravan JASON OM:  He’s denied any wrongdoing and claims police damaged the property and mistreated one of the residents He should have opened the door straight away and he didn’t JASON OM:  We put his claims to New South Wales Police They said they were unable to confirm and would not be commenting REPORTER:  Is it frightening to know that those explosives were there ROBERT:  If someone pulls up outside your house with some explosives JASON OM:  The caravan appears to have been at the site since early December DAVID HUDSON:  We are still looking for assistance in relation to anyone who saw that caravan parked by the side of the road from the 7th of December to the 19th of January this yar JASON OM:  What do you think about the fact they found explosives in the caravan it’s not the nicest thing to find out that it’s parked just down the road from you It’s a pretty quiet community out here so it’s not the kind of thing you expect to happen in this area or any area obviously but yeah JASON OM:  Today police revealed the owner of the caravan was arrested separately as part of the anti-Semitism strike force investigation Scott Marshall was allegedly named in the search warrant at Dural DAVID HUDSON:  He was in custody based on offences being investigated under Strikeforce Pearl At the time the actual caravan was located JASON OM:  Tammie Farrugia was also allegedly on the search warrant She was charged last week over a separate attack at Woollahra in December but neither have been charged in relation to that Overnight there was another graffiti attack in Sydney CHRIS MINNS:  It tells you everything you need to know about how appalling these bastards are that they would rip apart a school on one of the first days of school with a racist We don’t know who this is or where it’s coming from or why it’s targeting us These are words but we’ve seen before where words can lead and it is extremely distressing and I’m very unhappy about it JASON OM:  In just the past two months anti-Semitic attacks around Australia have escalated dramatically - from spraypainted graffiti to the firebombing of cars and business in Sydney and a Melbourne synagogue The discovery of explosives here in Dural for an apparent terror attack has prompted a big response from the federal police DAVID HUDSON:  We have identified links between certain jobs which gives us some indication there is a level of coordination above those perpetrating the offenses but I'm not prepared to go into those details JASON OM:  Over at the Newtown synagogue in Sydney’s inner west swastikas graffitied on the brick fence in a separate attack earlier this month have been wiped away The caravan in Dural has the community on edge but vigilant NEWTOWN SYNAGOGUE:  Obviously it’s concerning a van full of explosives that can make a huge crater and kill a lot of people JASON OM:  At the same time there’s a sense here of defiance against caving into fear NEWTOWN SYNAGOGUE:  It goes back to how are we going to react and I think that we have to maintain a position that we’re not going to falter from ELI FELMAN:  There are bad actors both locally and overseas who want to sow discord and create disharmony in the community but I think the message we need to tell them is you’re not going to be successful why did the police not reveal what they knew when they knew it about ten days ago ELI FELMAN:  I'm sure they had operational considerations; I'm not going to weigh into criticising the police NSW POLICE COMMISSIONER:  All of our activities remain ongoing over 300 patrols every night in Sydney to reassure the public that we are there It’s been another dark day for the Jewish community after New South Wales Police found a caravan filled with explosives designed for an anti-Semitic attack Read more: Dural property owner says he had nothing to do with caravan filled with explosives Two people have allegedly been named in a search warrant connected to a caravan filled with explosives The caravan was discovered in Dural earlier in January The couple are considered to be on the periphery of a broader antisemitism investigation Link copiedShareShare articleTammie Farrugia and her partner Scott Marshall have allegedly been named in a search warrant connected to a caravan stuffed with explosives and containing a list of Jewish synagogues The ABC has obtained security footage showing their Liverpool home was raided by police two days after the van was discovered at Dural in the city's north-west captured by the doorbell camera of a neighbour detectives and a sniffer dog attending the site for at least two hours Tammie Farrugia and Scott Marshall are in custody The unit door appeared to have been damaged by police gaining entry The couple are considered to be on the "periphery" of a broader antisemitism terror investigation with police suggesting those involved do not appear to hold a "specific ideology" and that there was a level of 'coordination above those perpetrating the offences' Ms Farrugia and Mr Marshall have not been charged in connection to the Dural caravan Both are in custody over other matters and it's unclear what officers were searching for 34-year-old Ms Farrugia posted on TikTok that she was looking for a caravan to purchase "ANYONE GOT A CARAVAN FOR SALE NEED ONE ASAP I'VE GOT $$$$$$" she wrote on social media Ms Farrugia was arrested over a separate incident The Liverpool woman was accused of taking part in a criminal group that sprayed antisemitic graffiti on homes and torched a car in Woollahra in Sydney's east on December 11. Prior to the attack she allegedly posted to social media "anyone got any plastic jerry cans plz let me know" police conducted an earlier raid on the Liverpool apartment she shared with Mr Marshall and the keys to a stolen Mitsubishi ASX and drugs according to police facts tendered to court was charged in relation to the alleged stolen goods and prohibited weapons He has pleaded not guilty and did not apply for bail If you have any information about a story, contact Amy Greenbank. Ms Farrugia was arrested and charged over the alleged supply and possession of a prohibited drug and granted conditional bail. Ms Farrugia later posted on Facebook that the pair had been "raided Xmas Eve he got locked up. Our phones got seized and other things". "F*** this s*** is killing me not having u by my side or hearing you're voice if I could trade places with u I would love u so much baby Scott Marshall." The caravan filled with explosives was in Dural, in Sydney's north-west. (ABC News: Liam Patrick) Ms Farrugia was arrested again three weeks later over the Woollahra attack and remains in custody. She is one of 10 people Strike Force Pearl have charged in relation to antisemitic incidents in Sydney. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson suggested those alleged to be involved did not appear to be motivated by racism. "We haven't identified any of the individuals of the 10 we've charged with any specific ideology that would cause them to commit the acts." Police discovered the caravan packed with explosives in the city's north-west 12 days ago. However, the public was only made aware of the potential terror threat on Wednesday after the news leaked to a Sydney newspaper. "I don't think it's appropriate for the police to say, or the government to say, when a CT [counterterrorism] enquiry begins we're going to issue a media release and have it in the public domain," Premier Chris Minns said on Thursday. Authorities described the van as having the potential to cause a "mass casualty event" with a blast zone of more than 40 metres. Detectives are trying to ascertain whether the Powergel explosives found were stolen from a mining site. Error: no decision tree source folder detected as neighbours speakAuthorities have defended their decision not to publicly announce their investigation soon after the caravan was found as NSW Premier Chris Minns condemns a rise in "race-fuelled hatred".NSW Police commissioner Karen Webb at Premier Chris Minns at a press conference on 22 January Here's why the NSW premier and police have different answers 5 min readPublished 29 January 2025 6:55pm A major police operation is underway in Sydney's northwest understood to be connected to the body of a young father found partially buried in a paddock Dozens of police vehicles swarmed a residential property on Wylds Road - which runs the border of Arcadia and Middle Dural - about 50km northwest of Sydney at 12pm on Friday A nearby school was forced into lockdown for more than six hours leaving multiple classes of students unable to get home Officers closed off Old Northern Road between Mid Dural Road and Cattai Ridge Road as well as the intersection of Old Northern Road and Wylds Road as multiple emergency vehicles positioned themselves outside the address Tactical officers were seen entering the property via a neighbour's backyard and an elderly woman was seen being escorted out of the neighbouring property before she was reportedly questioned by officers around 12.30pm NSW Police declined to specify what prompted the raid but have since confirmed shortly after 7pm that the operation had ended, though officers remain in the area as part of an ongoing investigation. 'Police spoke to an 80-year-old woman at the scene, before the property was searched with assistance from tactical police,' NSW Police said in a statement. 'No arrests have been made. Police remain at the scene where they continue to make inquiries.' The episode forced a local school in the area to remain shuttered even after school ended - with worried parents told their children were not allowed to leave. Roads were reopened and residents were allowed to leave or return to their houses around 5pm.  NSW Police have asked people to avoid the area as traffic has been disrupted. It added there is no ongoing threat to the public.  The raid has been reportedly linked to the discovery of a deceased man one suburb over in Glenorie on March 15. Police identified the body of John Birch, 39, who was found dead in a nearby paddock only a few hundred metres from the property currently being surrounded. One Dural resident posted on social media that he was shocked to see 'at least 20 police in riot gear and masks' on Friday.  'Was lucky to see a cop car once a month years ago, [let alone] a swat team,' another added. It is also nearby to where a caravan was found earlier this year on the side of the road loaded with enough explosives to create a 40m blast. The caravan also contained a list of Jewish addresses which sparked an investigation by counter-terrorist police. It was later revealed to be a hoax allegedly orchestrated by an organised crime figure in a ploy to trade information with officers that would benefit their 'criminal status'.  It is understood the raid on Friday is not linked to that investigation.  Major terror attack 'was just HOURS away' before it was foiled by the special forces and police:... Victim of acid attack 'plotted by his ex-partner who teamed up with a gang' dies in hospital six... 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See the new store here “We’re thrilled to be opening our doors to the local community a brand-new destination for the freshest fruits and veggies and an authentic market experience,” the retailer said shoppers are encouraged to look out for a series of special events in-store and promotions shoppers will be treated to exclusive discounts and tastings from some of Harris Farm Markets’ favourite local suppliers making it a “perfect” day out in the community The new store at Dural is more than just a place to shop – it’s a celebration of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables to an incredible selection of over 500 cheeses “Whether you’re searching for the freshest fruits and vegetables exploring our unmatched variety of cheeses from everyday essentials to gourmet indulgent you will find everything you need under one roof,” Harris Farm Markets said “We’re also committed to supporting local farmers with our Imperfect Picks range offering wallet-friendly and farmer-friendly fruits and vegetables that help reduce food waste and promote sustainability.” The store is located at 7-9 Kenthurst Road NSW 2158 in the heart of the Hills District For all the updates and details leading up to the grand opening of Harris Farm Markets Dural on Wednesday, 26 February, follow Harris Farm Markets on social platforms Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok See the new store here Caravan discovered in Dural on Sydney’s outskirts had antisemitic material with registered owner in custody on unrelated charges The New South Wales police commissioner says an investigation into a caravan found in Sydney allegedly containing explosives and a list of Jewish targets was compromised by leaks to a Sydney media outlet police said a caravan had been found at a Dural property containing explosives that had the potential to cause a “mass casualty event” The revelation came 10 days after authorities were notified about the caravan on 19 January by a Dural local who had noticed it parked next to a road in early December The local had moved it to his property because he believed it was a road hazard But the man didn’t open the padlocked caravan until six weeks later Authorities had been conducting a covert investigation but were forced to go public when details were leaked to News Corp Australia. The police commissioner, Karen Webb, on Thursday defended the decision not to alert the community earlier. She said the source of the leak was being investigated and noted the joint terrorism investigation included federal police and state agencies. “The fact that this information is now in the public domain has compromised our investigation and it’s been detrimental to some of the strategies we may have used,” Webb told reporters. “There is so much in the public domain but to talk further about this to any great extent … I don’t want to compromise that investigation any further.” responded to Webb’s accusations the media had compromised the investigation Morri told Sky News the Daily Telegraph “would never compromise an investigation” and the criticism from Webb was “unfair” “They [the police] knew it was never going to be kept secret for ever because they were knocking on doors and issuing search warrants in the Dural area,” he said we’re going to put this on the internet or put this in the paper and publish it’ without going to police and saying ‘are we going to cause any problems here?’” Morri said the newspaper went to the police early on Wednesday with the story and would have delayed publishing if they’d been asked He also said police had asked the newspaper to withhold parts of the story Police on Thursday confirmed that Scott Marshall – in whose name the caravan was allegedly registered – was in custody on drugs and weapons charges peripheral to the Dural matter but that had been investigated under Strike Force Pearl He has not been charged in relation to the caravan in Dural Thank you for your feedback.‘A potential terrorist event’State police have not officially declared the incident an act of terrorism when asked if he classified it as terrorism It’s clearly designed to harm people but it’s also designed to create fear in the community Minns said the incident was “a potential terrorist event” Webb said that people could be charged with terrorism-related offences without NSW police having to make a terrorism “declaration” The deputy commissioner on Thursday reiterated that the threat posed by the explosives had been “mitigated” Hudson said the Powergel allegedly found in the caravan was almost exclusively used in the mining industry Hudson said the caravan allegedly contained written notes “with Jewish entities nominated on them” Asked about speculation it was potentially a “setup” given the caravan with the explosives and notes had been left on a public road the deputy commissioner told 2GB radio: “That’s a consideration that we are looking at as well.” Hudson said it was “not unusual” for criminal elements to tip off police but the caravan “may have been recovered by the resident of Dural prior to that being able to occur” Free daily newsletterOur Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day telling you what’s happening and why it matters “But we can’t confirm that so we are treating it at its highest and investigating it to its fullest.” the Australian federal police said “foreign actors” could be behind some of the recent antisemitic attacks across Sydney with people potentially being paid to commit crimes Hudson said on Thursday that police were investigating if “some of them [the attacks] are being orchestrated by others – not the individuals” “We haven’t identified any of the individuals with any specific ideology that would cause them to commit the acts that they have [allegedly] committed,” the assistant commissioner said “That indicates to us that they are being orchestrated in some manner We have identified links between certain jobs which gives us some indication there is a level of coordination above those [allegedly] perpetrating the offences.” Hudson told ABC radio on Thursday “at this stage we believe that [alleged coordination] is domestic” rather than international Webb said a police community engagement unit had informed the Jewish community about the caravan being discovered But Jewish leaders claimed they were in the dark for 10 days until reading about the incident in the media co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry said none of the 200 organisations his group represented were aware of the incident before Wednesday “They should’ve told us earlier because the impact on the community then could have been managed,” he said “We could have understood better what we are facing.” Wertheim said “there are sometimes very good operational reasons for keeping an investigation secret … but that has to be balanced against other considerations” “The feelings in the Jewish community are not only of understandable concern and anxiety … but increasingly there were more antisemitic graffiti attacks across Sydney’s eastern suburbs overnight Mount Sinai College – a Jewish primary school in Maroubra next to a synagogue and a few hundred metres from a childcare centre that suffered an arson attack last week – and a nearby home were vandalised with “fucking Jews” graffiti and slurs that included calling Jewish people “dogs” and the “real terrorists”. Antisemitic graffiti was also discovered on a residential street in Eastlakes and a car park in Eastgardens. Police foiled a further incident in the eastern suburbs, responding to the incident “on the spot”, they said. Watch 1m 53sNSW Police say none of the individuals arrested as part of Strikeforce Pearl have displayed any form of antisemitic ideology. Australian independent food retailer, Harris Farm Markets, has unveiled the opening of its newest store in Dural, Sydney on Wednesday, 26 February. “We’re excited to open our doors in Dural and become part of this wonderful community,” says Luke Harris, co-CEO of Harris Farm Markets. “Our aim is to offer a unique shopping experience, celebrating seasonality, sustainability, and quality under one roof. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience the best of Harris Farm Markets,” he said. Harris Farm Markets is located at 7-9 Kenthurst Road, Round Corner, Dural 2158. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. Police believe that one organised criminal mastermind was behind both the discovery of explosives in a caravan at Dural and multiple crimes directed at Sydney’s Jewish community and that personal gain not antisemitism was the motive Australian Federal Police revealed on Monday that the Dural explosives were not part of an intended mass casualty attack but what Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett labelled a “fabricated plot” and part of a “criminal con job” Thursday 6 FebruaryThank you for joining us on the live blog Peter Dutton said Donald Trump brought “gravitas” to the Middle East conflict and was a “big thinker” in response to the president’s statement that the US should “take over” Gaza Anthony Albanese announced $8m for a co-funded community relief fund for eight local government areas affected by the Queensland floods Labor’s free Tafe bill passed the House of Representatives paving the way for it to become legislated with the backing of the Senate Woodside Energy’s chief executive, Meg O’Neill, argued for governments to cut “red and green tape” zeroing in on lengthy environmental approvals for fossil fuel projects and Victoria’s “anti-gas rhetoric” Dutton said the Coalition supports net zero by 2050, but did not say whether the Coalition would sign up to a 2035 target. Updated at 07.59 CET6 Feb 202507.15 CETKangaroo IVF breakthrough could save endangered koalas The first kangaroo embryos produced through in vitro fertilisation could pave the way for other marsupial species, such as koalas and wombats, to be saved from extinction. The groundbreaking achievement has provided valuable insights into the potential for assisted marsupial breeding for conservation, University of Queensland researchers say. In that hearing we had numerous Labor members thanking the AFP for their service, but few answers on whether the prime minister had been briefed by the federal police about the caravan packed with explosives found in Dural. Shoebridge was clearly unhappy with Polley’s decision to close down the committee rather than extend the hearing – her reasoning being that another agency was due to appear at 4.30pm. Updated at 07.57 CET6 Feb 202506.49 CETJosh ButlerThe hearing into the AFP is continuing, but for how long, it’s unclear. The hearing was meant to conclude at 4.30pm and the Labor chair, Helen Polley, tried to wrap it up at that time. However, the Greens senator David Shoebridge called for the committee to be extended by another 15 minutes, interjecting as Polley tried to close it off. Polley continued talking even as Shoebridge tried to raise his point of order, which was supported by the Coalition member of the committee, Llew O’Brien. “You’re using the government’s numbers to shut down an inquiry about what millions of Australians want an answer, when the prime minister was told about potential terrorism,” Shoebridge alleged of Polley. Polley said they would take a private meeting to discuss an extension, but that she intended to close the meeting. Updated at 07.33 CET6 Feb 202506.34 CETAFP boss questioned about PM’s knowledge of Dural caravanJosh ButlerAustralian federal police (AFP) are appearing before a parliamentary committee where senior officers are facing questions about how politicians are briefed on sensitive investigations comes in the context of the Coalition’s criticism of the government’s response to antisemitic crimes and whether Anthony Albanese was briefed in a timely fashion on the Dural caravan loaded with explosives The Coalition MP Llew O’Brien asked questions about when sensitive investigations are briefed to senior members of the government AFP members said each investigation is different and it’s on a “case-by-case basis” whether they decide to escalate certain investigations to the notice of senior government members The Greens senator David Shoebridge asked similar questions AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw speaks to a parliamentary committee. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAPAsked about previous antisemitic investigations, the AFP commissioner, Reece Kershaw, said it was inappropriate to discuss, in a public forum, whether specific ongoing investigations had been briefed to politicians. Shoebridge countered that disclosing whether the PM had been told “in no way could prejudice a criminal investigation”. The Labor senator Helen Polley, the committee chair, interjected numerous times to direct questioning back to the purpose of the hearing – to investigate the AFP’s annual report – and to note hearing rules that it should not go into ongoing investigations. Updated at 07.56 CET6 Feb 202506.17 CETMatildas great Williams out for rest of ALW season The Matildas great Lydia Williams’ professional career is in doubt after Melbourne Victory confirmed the veteran goalkeeper will miss the remainder of the A-League Women season through injury who officially retired from the Matildas last June hasn’t played in Victory’s current campaign after suffering a wrist injury Australia’s Lydia Williams in action. Photograph: Jean-Paul Pélissier/ReutersVictory had been unwilling to draw a line through Williams but on Thursday the coach, Jeff Hopkins, conceded her season was likely over. Williams, whose most recent club game was last season’s elimination-final loss to Central Coast, is out of contract at season’s end. The 36-year-old is yet to make a decision on her playing future and will be given time and space to consider it. “Probably looks like Lyds won’t play again this season,” Hopkins said. She’s had an operation and although it’s gone really well, probably I don’t think that will allow her to play this season. Hopkins was unwilling to speculate on Williams’ future beyond the season. Updated at 07.27 CET6 Feb 202506.03 CETEmily WindAmendments to hate crimes bill ‘a Band-Aid on a much bigger wound’, says Equality Australia CEO Equality Australia says the federal government has “missed an opportunity to stamp out hate speech” by not including serious vilification in its hate crimes bill. The CEO of the national LGBTQ+ group, Anna Brown, said the amendments late last night “failed to adequately protect vulnerable communities from hate speech while capitulating to Coalition demands on mandatory sentencing”. LGBTIQ+ people and other minorities will still have no protections against people who target them by promoting hate, serious contempt or severe ridicule. Outlawing incitement to violence while ignoring the toxic rhetoric and harassment that leads to it is simply putting a Band-Aid on a much bigger wound. Brown welcomed the bill’s inclusion of children, families and friends as protected “associates” of LGBTIQ+ people, but said it stopped short of including others – such as librarians and councillors – who are “increasingly caught in the crossfire when LGBTIQ+ people are targeted by hate”. She also took aim at the inclusion of mandatory minimum sentencing, saying this “undermines judicial discretion and runs the very real risk of further fracturing social cohesion and making all communities less safe”. is not talking about “forcibly removing people” from Gaza Updated at 07.13 CET6 Feb 202505.38 CETKrishani DhanjiThanks for following along with me on the blog today! I’ll hand you over to Rafqa Touma for the rest of the day’s news. I’ll be with you next week for more fun when parliament sits again. 6 Feb 202505.34 CETPetra StockWoodside CEO on nuclear: ‘all energy options’ should be on the table Meg O’Neill also indicated support for nuclear power as part of Australia’s energy mix calling for “all energy options” to be on the table Asked whether Australia could reach net zero emissions without nuclear As Graham Readfearn explained, the Coalition has presented no evidence to back up its claim that its nuclear proposal could bring electricity prices down. With the event held in Victoria, O’Neill also took the opportunity to criticise the Victorian government’s policies on gas – including the state’s ban on coal seam gas and its gas substitution roadmap. However she also expressed “cautious signs of optimism” about a change in position, noting “increased recognition that gas can and should be part of the mix”. Updated at 05.37 CET6 Feb 202505.32 CETWoodside energy criticises red tape as company awaits approval on North West Shelf facilityPetra StockWoodside Energy’s chief executive has argued for governments to cut “red and green tape” O’Neill said she anticipated a federal decision on the North West Shelf gas processing plant soon after receiving approval from the WA state government in December The project’s six-year environmental approval process was used as a case study underlining the gas executive’s call for clearer timelines on decisions We’ve got to have a process that is clear for everybody concerned [and] it’s the timeline for the community who’s interested in seeing these projects moving forward Woodside had received a letter from the federal environment department advising that the department’s review of the project was expected to be completed – and handed to the minister – by 28 February we received approval from the WA state government to extend the life of the plant but it came after six years of assessment and appeals within the WA environmental system despite bipartisan support for the proposal Now we are eagerly awaiting a federal decision as a second environmental regulator has to consider [the project] The Coalition spent more than half of their questions asking the treasurer, Jim Chalmers, about how costs have gone up on food Chalmers didn’t seem to mind and went back on the attack against Angus Taylor The government’s dixers were at first laser-focused on the cost of living and their key health and education policies but by the end went into other territory like veterans’ affairs and vaping (which felt a bit out of the blue) Updated at 05.35 CET6 Feb 202505.16 CETQuestion time endsKrishani DhanjiThe final question is a dixer to Mark Butler on restricting vapes His response gets some heckling from the opposite side and we can hear some comments of “it [a ban] doesn’t work” It’s Dural’s very own golden mile, home to banking executives, business leaders and wealthy investors who buy or build mega-mansions, immersed in the privacy afforded by two-hectare estates and plentiful bushland. With 6.9 hectares, Schwebel has one of the largest landholdings, which not only ensures the permanency of the serene, eucalypt forest views but also provides space to turn the grounds into an outdoor playground. Back at the house, it’s clear Schwebel has invested more than money to create his ideal family compound. Together with his wife Felicity – the driving force behind the home’s earthy finishes – he has five kids aged five to 14. Schwebel wanted a home that would weather the unavoidable shenanigans of so many small bodies, age beautifully, and also deliver highly functional living spaces. He has employed building techniques that not only reduce visual clutter – think recessed pelmets and cavity doors, but resist the cracks and squeaks found in your average build. The home is noticeably solid in the best possible way – square-set ceilings that rise to 3.4 metres in the main living spaces, custom 20-millimetre Shadowline skirtings, semi-commercial window frames, European oak floors glued atop ply fixed above a concrete slab. Small details leave a favourable impression, from the absence of step-downs in bedrooms and bathrooms to the gap built into the heavy butler’s pantry sliding door, clad in the same oak used for the floors, to ensure no little fingers get jammed. Inside, two pull-down heat lamps get a regular workout, keeping food warm. It’s not a house that shouts, “Look at me!” but rather a high-spec home that speaks of quiet luxury. The Gaggenau-appointed kitchen is a case in point. It comes with a vast island bench topped in Smartstone with a 100-millimetre profile along the breakfast bar but 40-millimetre along the opposite length of the bench to ensure space for the dishwasher. Anna Bay: Where the median house price has risen 47.3 per cent in five years Palm Beach: Where seaside property doesn’t come cheap In the adjoining lounge room, the dramatic wood-burning fireplace was hand-built from freeform natural stone set within structural steel frames; a feature echoed on the home’s front facade. A kids’ games room includes a wall of storage and adjoins the adults’ retreat – a billiards room with a built-in bar that includes two Vintec wine fridges and an ice-making machine. Bifolds open this space onto a travertine-paved outdoor room with a built-in barbecue and fireplace neighbouring the heated pool and spa, all with the peaceful backdrop of private bushland. Built-in storage is a highlight throughout, and in the bedrooms, it includes shelving strong enough for climbing kids. The serious climbing has been reserved for downstairs where a multi-sports court with rubber flooring has kept the whole family entertained since the home was completed in 2017. There are climbing walls complete with a retractable safety harness, a flying fox, gymnastics rings, a basketball hoop and nets for soccer and tennis. Of course, there’s also plenty of space for gym equipment and zoned air-conditioning to keep everyone cool. This level also hosts a self-contained apartment with separate access. Mention must be made of the fully kitted-out, tiered home cinema, which comes with 10 electric recliners, the home office with custom hardwood desk, the heated drying room, the three-car garage with internal access and the substantial store rooms that could be converted for wine cellaring. It’s a home designed and built by a fastidious builder, one that can be appreciated and enjoyed by just about anyone. This feature is part of a Domain Deluxe Package.  The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate Link copiedShareShare articleDeputy Commissioner Reece Kershaw has declined to answer Senate questions about the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives in Sydney's north Opposition Leader Peter Dutton renewed calls for an independent inquiry into why the prime minister was not notified about discovery in Dural Look back at how the day's developments unfolded Submit a comment or question Log in to commentLive updatesLatestOldest6 Feb 6:21amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 6:21amGoodbye!JBy Jesmine Cheong Thanks for following our live coverage today You can look back at all the developments below or download the ABC News app to keep up to date Here's a quick summary of what happened today: Federal government passes a hate crimes bill making criminal prosecutions for hate speech easier The government agreed to mandatory minimum sentences as part of that bill Opposition Leader Peter Dutton called for an independent inquiry into when the PM was briefed about the Dural caravan incident Meanwhile,the AFP deputy commissioner refuses to tell the Senate if PM Anthony Albanese was briefed on the Dural caravan plot ReactReactCopy link6 Feb 6:02amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 6:02amQuestions over three-day childcare guaranteeJBy Jesmine Cheong Labor has been criticised over deferring the childcare subsidy activity test reform bill Early Childhood Education Minister Anne says she's still hopeful the bill will be passed in the next fortnight "I know there is widespread support for this from the sector," she says it has good support and I look forward to seeing it pass." Aly wouldn't be drawn on whether the decision to defer is a wedge to get the Coalition to actively vote against "I don't know what then Coalition's position is," she says 5:57amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 5:57amEarly Childhood Education Minister quizzed over GazaJBy Jesmine Cheong Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly is also being quizzed on Donald Trump's comments on Gaza Trump made headlines once-again this week over his radical proposal calling for the relocation of Gazans to other countries Minister Aly started off by acknowledge the significant pain of Palestinians Aly is echoing the position of PM Anthony Albanese who has not been drawn on responding to Trump's comments "I listened to the Prime Minister yesterday I think he was correct in reiterating that we have a long-standing position that we are not changing which is a two-state solution," she says "Anybody could listen to that and recognise what the Prime Minister is saying.. we support the right of Palestinians and Gazans to exist in their homeland." 5:53amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 5:53amA tussle erupts over whether to extend the AFP hearingMBy Maani Truu After questions about the recruitment of women to the force and the AFP's role in countering espionage and foreign interference chair Helen Polley moves to conclude the hearing at the hour mark but is met with objections from Greens senator David Shoebridge who calls for 15-minute extension "There are many more questions for the AFP I know you would like it to end," Shoebridge says Coalition senator Llew O'Brien backs his request But Labor senator Polley says there is another hearing scheduled 5:50amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 5:50amIndependent MP on mandatory minimum sentencing and GazaJBy Jesmine Cheong Independent MP Monique Ryan voted against the mandatory minimum sentencing bill which was passed earlier today Ryan explained her reasons to ABC's Patricia Karvelas "I think that the presentencing and the complexities that go around criminal sentencing should be judges are not politicians," she says I do not agree with mandatory sentencing so although it's very happy to support the hate crimes legislation." Ryan added that this isn't an issue "where politics should get in the way of good legislation" "I have to represent my electorate as best I can and on the virtues of my values on my values tell mandatory sentencing is not the best thing for our judicial system," she says She's also being asked about Donald Trump's recent comments over Gaza calling his statements  "distressing" and "terrifying" "I can only assume the Prime Minister has not spoken about this in any depth because it is hard to keep up with Donald Trump's pronouncements," she says "I found it very concerning that the Conservative side of politics in this country...fell in behind him [Donald Trump] to the extent they do." ReactReactCopy linkKey Event6 Feb 5:31amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 5:31amAFP hearing: Was the PM briefed on explosives?MBy Maani Truu Llew O'Brien has now asked directly if the prime minister and/or attorney-general were briefed on the explosives investigation — and if so After a brief debate over whether the question is relevant to the purpose of the hearing Commissioner Reece Kershaw declines to answer "That relates to an ongoing joint counterterrorism team operation and according to the briefings I've received that's not the subject or purpose of today's hearing," he says I am conscious that this is a public hearing and it is not an appropriate forum to provide information relating to an ongoing investigation." 5:22amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 5:22amPanel questioned over mandatory minimum sentencesJBy Jesmine Cheong We are now hearing from a panel on today's program of Afternoon Briefing Independent MP Dai Le and Labor senator Marielle Smith are being asked to share their thoughts on Labor agreeing to legislate mandatory minimum sentences for terror offences It follows a spate of antisemitic attacks across the country in recent months Smith is being grilled over why Labor decided to give in to the Coalition "I'm comfortable with doing all we have to do as a government to keep people safe and to restore confidence in the community," she tells ABC's Patricia Karvelas "I think our people in my party wants to take that action they want us to be strong against hatred." Karvelas has now shifted to the Coalition's calls for an independent inquiry into when PM Anthony Albanese was briefed about the caravan found packed with explosives in Sydney's outer suburbs MP Le says the whole incident was "quite concerning" "We know that people are quick to react and politicians are quick to react to situations like that and I hope he was briefed and that he gave us the information when he found out," she says I just believe that he said he has given us what he has been told 5:18amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 5:18amAFP deputy commissioner says ministerial briefings happen on a 'case-by-case' basisMBy Maani Truu A Senate hearing examining the Australian Federal Police's annual report is underway After noting that 13 people were charged with terrorism-related offences in the previous year Deputy chair Llew O'Brien has asked about when ministerial briefings are held regarding investigations The question comes after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton today demanded an inquiry be held into when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was briefed about the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives in Sydney Deputy Commissioner National Security Krissy Barrett says the AFP delivers briefings on a case-by-case basis as required by the investigation "There is no matter that is one and the same "There are always unique considerations that need to be taken into consideration." Asked how often ministerial briefings occur in relation to terrorism investigations Barrett says "they occur as often as they need to" 5:12amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 5:12amShadow minister asked about inquiry into Dural caravanJBy Jesmine Cheong First up on the program is Shadow Housing Minister Michael Sukkar opposition leader Peter Dutton called for an independent inquiry into when PM Anthony Albanese was briefed about the caravan found packed with explosives in Sydney's outer suburbs The PM has called this inquiry a waste of time ABC's Patricia Karvelas was quick to press minister Sukkar over his thoughts on the PM's reaction "It is extraordinary that we even need to ask this independent inquiry It is extraordinary that the Prime Minister has not been able to nominate the date that he was told," he says Sukkar added that the Coalition just want to know a date "We think the independent inquiry is the best way to get to the bottom...it's not a huge amount of resources to be expended it's pretty straightforward process," he says 5:01amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 5:01amAfternoon Briefing kicks offJBy Jesmine Cheong The program has just started and we'll be giving you updates throughout 4:55amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 4:55amAustralian Jewish community reacts to hate crimes billJBy Jesmine Cheong which are reacting to the hate crimes bill being passed The peak body of the Australian Jewish community has given its thoughts commending both the opposition and the federal government "The bipartisanship on this important issue sends a powerful and much-needed message of zero tolerance to potential perpetrators of these offences," Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim says "We have seen too many examples of such behaviour going unpunished such as the disgraceful antisemitic threats and hatred that featured at the Sydney Opera House steps on 9 October 2023 Wertheim referenced antisemetic attacks in Sydney "If there is to be any hope of stamping out this hateful behaviour and the appalling antisemitic violence it has spawned in recent times prison sentences and fines are called for," he says ReactReactCopy link6 Feb, 4:45amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 4:45amChina slams Australia's DeepSeek ban on government devicesCBy Courtney Gould The Chinese government has slammed Australia for banning the Chinese artificial intelligence chatbot app DeepSeek on government devices. The federal government opted to ban the app after it was found to pose national security risks. In a statement released on Wednesday night by the Chinese foreign ministry, the move was described as the "politicisation of economic, trade and technological issues", which Beijing said it opposes. China also strongly denied that the app was being used to collect data. "The Chinese government … has never and will never require enterprises or individuals to illegally collect or store data," the statement said. ReactReactCopy link6 Feb 4:32amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 4:32amLGBTIQ+ group on the government's hate crimes billJBy Jesmine Cheong has spoken out against the government's passing of the hate crimes bill The bill will make it easier for criminal prosecutions to be reached for hate speech and the Senate passed it earlier Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown says the government missed an opportunity to stamp out hate speech by not including serious vilification in this bill "While we welcome the fact that for the first time LGBTIQ+ people are protected from threats of violence under federal law the government has missed an opportunity to stamp out all forms of hate speech and in doing so protect vulnerable groups from the real-world violence it spawns," she says "LGBTIQ+ people and other minorities will still have no protections against people who target them by promoting hate "Outlawing incitement to violence while ignoring the toxic rhetoric and harassment that leads to it is simply putting a Band-Aid on a much bigger wound." She also raised concerns about the inclusion of mandatory minimum sentencing saying it would have "disproportionate effect on already marginalised people" 4:24amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 4:24amAFP boss Reece Kershaw to be grilled shortlyCBy Courtney Gould I must log off and go home and dissociate until I return tomorrow But we still have a jam-packed afternoon on the blog for you Australian Federal Police boss Reece Kershaw is about to sit down in front of a pack of very curious senators It's expected they'll be grilling the AFP about what they did tell the PM about the discovery of a caravan filled with explosives in Dural in Sydney's north last month I've had a look at the guest list and it's promising to be a cracker My wonderful co-blogger Jesmine will be to guide you through the rest of the day 4:21amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 4:21amPenny Wong makes first comments on Trump's Gaza proposalTBy Tom Lowrey Foreign Minister Penny Wong has been questioned by the Green's Mehreen Faruqi on Donald Trump's proposals in Gaza It's the first time we've heard from the foreign minister about the proposal since it was made public yesterday Wong pointed to some of the "walking back" we've seen on Trump's plans from White House officials overnight as to why the government didn't rush to comment on the details yesterday "[The prime minister] has made clear on several occasions that our position the Australian position remains support of a two state solution," she said achieved in accordance with international law "Now we have seen overnight the discussions and clarifications I think that this is a demonstration of why the Australian government doesn't immediately react to everything that is reported "I would say that the central players in these matters are the countries of the region who will be in dialogue with the United States for some time on a range of proposals." 4:18amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 4:18amVibe check!EBy Evelyn Manfield I've been asked to deliver a vibe check on what it was like from up in the gallery The Coalition wanted to focus on gas prices but Labor used the questions to swerve and instead attack the Coalition's promise to let small businesses claim client lunches as a tax deduction After yesterday calling the policy "escargot for CEOs," Education Minister Jason Clare came to QT with a fresh zinger Today it was a "deductible degustation." He went on to say it would add up to a whole lot of croquembouche but that Australian's would think it was a "crock of something else." The opposition and independent Monique Ryan also threw in questions about Labor's dumped nature laws no questions were asked about Donald Trump's proposal to "take over" Gaza or Labor's backflip on mandatory minimum sentencing QT is over for another weekCBy Courtney Gould Friend of the blog (and political reporter) Evelyn Manfield was in the chamber watching on and will be with us momentarily to give us her thoughts on how it all went down 4:14amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 4:14amLabor won't support crossbench small biz changeCBy Courtney Gould She wants to know if the government will support the teal independent's push to raise the threshold of small businesses up from 15-25 workers who represents the workplace relations minister (Murray Watt) in the house 4:07amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 4:07amNationals leader chimes in on the federal EPAJBy Jesmine Cheong Nationals Leader David Littleproud has now chimed in and quizzed the Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek on the introduction of a federal EPA Littleproud asks whether Plibersek will rule out the future prospects of this EPA In case you missed it, the minister was questioned about this earlier "The legislation passed this parliament through the House of Representatives.. we couldn't get it through the Senate," she says Many of us are very disappointed about that.. 4:03amThu 6 Feb 2025 at 4:03amLaos has not accepted AFP offer to help investigation into methanol poisoningCBy Courtney Gould Laos has not taken up the AFP's offer to assist with an investigation into a mass methanol poisoning that claimed the lives of two Melbourne teens Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones's deaths were linked to the mass methanol poisoning incident in the Laotian tourist town of Vang Vieng Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel told the chamber she met last week with the Morton-Bowles family who were desperate for information about the investigation DPM Richard Marles says what happened to Holly and Bianca was "unimaginable" He says the AFP has made an offer to the Laos authorities but it hasn't accepted it so far Link copiedShareShare articleTammie Farrugia and Scott Marshall are the pair allegedly named in a search warrant used by police investigating the discovery of an explosives laden caravan at Dural in Sydney’s north-west Police and political leaders have voiced concern about escalating antisemitism across the community Take a look back on our blog to see today's developments Submit a comment or question Log in to commentLive updatesLatestOldestPinned29 Jan 11:44pmWed 29 Jan 2025 at 11:44pmICYMI: Catch up or read more on the Sydney incidentsMBy Millie Roberts Stay in the loop with our coverage of the antisemitic incidents in Maroubra and Dural ReactReactCopy link30 Jan 8:00amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 8:00amThat's the end of our live blogIBy Isabella Ross That's where we'll leave our live coverage of the Dural caravan incident for today You can look back on today's developments below, or download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest updates ReactReactCopy link30 Jan, 7:52amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 7:52amDural property owner says he had nothing to do with caravanIBy Isabella Ross  A man claiming to own the Dural property linked to the counterterrorism investigation has both denied his involvement and said the police got the search warrant wrong. Speaking with ABC's 7.30, a man named Rob said neither he, or the residents of his property, had anything to do with the caravan in question. ReactReactCopy link30 Jan 7:43amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 7:43amSecurity measures in place for students to return to schools tomorrowIBy Isabella Ross numerous Jewish schools across Sydney have been ramping up their security measures Maroubra Mayor Dylan Parker said students at Mount Sinai College in Maroubra will be going back to school tomorrow He said a security consultant had been engaged to ensure the school community felt safe Simone Abel from the  Executive Council of Australian Jewry recently told ABC's AM that some parents felt worried sending their children to school I would say to parents — please stay strong please support your Jewish neighbours and friends And keep your children in their normal school environments." 7:27amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 7:27amSynagogues focused on tightening securityIBy Isabella Ross Emanuel Synagogue in Woollahra has urged the Jewish community to find strength in one another during this challenging time has told their members that security and safety is of paramount focus "Our strict security measures remain in effect and will stay under the continuous review in consultation with the Community Security Group and NSW Police," they wrote in a statement on their social media 7:16amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 7:16amShadow education minister in talks with graffitied Maroubra schoolIBy Isabella Ross Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson has released a statement following the antisemitic vandalism at Mount Sinai College in Maroubra "After speaking with a representative of Mount Sinai College I have made representations to the secretary of the Federal Department of Education seeking immediate counselling and other support for the school," she said "The Coalition continues to raise serious concerns about the Albanese government's failure of leadership over the alarming increase in anti-Semitism including at education institutions." 7:02amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 7:02amQuestions as to how Powergel explosives were potentially stolenIBy Isabella Ross From a news report it stated the explosives found were those used in the mining industry What safeguards do mining companies have for ensuring stock security NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed the Powergel explosives were likely stolen from a mining site though investigations will provide further information Powergel is used widely in the coal mining industry for underground tunnelling and blasting One expert that the ABC spoke with said it's believed these explosives may have been stolen several years ago — so questions of security breaches will be a focus for investigators once the specific site has been identified it could have been old stock and if it has been obtained illegally then I would say it's been obtained 10 years ago," said senior lecturer at UNSW's School of Mining Engineering ReactReactCopy link30 Jan, 6:42amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 6:42amWhat are the Powergel explosives found in the caravan?IBy Isabella Ross Police in NSW are continuing to investigate how Powergel explosives  were found in the caravan in Dural. ABC reporter Victoria Pengilley explained what these explosives are, and spoke with various experts. 6:30amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 6:30amCalls for the community to come togetherIBy Isabella Ross Commissioner Webb urged the community to work together to stamp out antisemitism She said that while NSW Police "have this in hand and well in control" something she can't personally do is "change the hate that people have in their hearts" "But we all need to come together and we all need to work together to make sure that we can stamp this out." ReactReactCopy linkKey Event30 Jan 6:24amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 6:24amCaravan not an immediate threat to the community While unexpectedly being near a caravan filled with explosives would be concerning for anyone Commissioner Webb said there was "no immediate threat to the community" "Whilst the explosives were in the caravan there was no detonator with the caravan." 6:22amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 6:22amCommissioner concerned about where leak 'might have come from'IBy Isabella Ross Commissioner Webb said that while she respects the role of the media she made a point about her thoughts on the information of the caravan being leaked to reporters "Certainly I'm concerned about where a leak might have come from — those people that have had access to this material," she said And hopefully that will be revealed in time." 6:17amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 6:17amOrganised crime one theory When asked about the presence of powergel explosives in the caravan and whether it suggests connections to organised crime Commissioner Webb revealed this is one theory being examined but more possibilities also need to be explored "So much more work is to be done in that area yet And we don't know whether it's been taken from a mine in NSW or some other jurisdiction." 6:15amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 6:15amCommissioner Webb says investigation at a 'delicate stage'IBy Isabella Ross NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the investigation into the caravan in Dural is ongoing noting that it's at a "delicate stage" Officers are currently going through "all the physical evidence" from the crime scene "But in terms of tracing where the explosives might have come from .. there's a fair bit of work to do yet." 6:03amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 6:03amNSW Police commissioner to speak on local radioSBy Sam Nichols NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb is about to speak on ABC Radio Sydney Want to listen live? Click here 5:44amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 5:44amJewish community's fear 'palpable' Anne Aly added that she's spoken to her local Jewish community describing their fear as "palpable" They're fearful about crossing the road in their local community They are fearful of their children going to school I completely understand that right of fearfulness they also have a right to safety and security You can watch the whole interview on ABC iview 5:35amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 5:35amAnne Aly flags cautions 'against really pinpointing this to any particular community'IBy Isabella Ross She also said we need to allow "police to continue their investigation into these incidences" needs to be coming out and unequivocally condemning these acts." 5:23amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 5:23amHate speech laws in NSW in the works stillIBy Isabella Ross Mr Minns said antisemitism and hatred begin with "violent words" and "intimidation" before being followed by violent acts He said addressing hate speech laws in the state remains a priority "In addition to all of the police resources we're also looking at new laws to punish those who are responsible for these horrific acts 5:18amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 5:18amStamping out antisemitism 'number one priority'IBy Isabella Ross The premier reiterated his stance on describing the Dural caravan case as "terrorism" He said it was being treated "more seriously than any other crime in the state" "It's the number one priority." 5:15amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 5:15amMinns pushes back on questions over his delayed public response to incidentIBy Isabella Ross Mr Minns was asked if he regretted not informing the public earlier about the incident in Dural with the caravan discovered by police 11 days ago "I want to make this very clear that police would release all the information as quickly as possible except if it would compromise the investigation." 5:11amThu 30 Jan 2025 at 5:11amPremier concerned of impact to students returning to schoolsIBy Isabella Ross Mr Minns said the increase in attacks is a "huge concern" for the police and community particularly as students return to school this week and next "This latest case of malicious damage was on the side of a school on the first day that school goes back," he said referencing the graffiti in Maroubra this morning The Dural caravan affair stinks to high heaven Far from shrouding this inquiry with a cloud of secrecy of the sort so beloved by the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and his department I would opt for an open inquiry of the NSW ICAC type if one that permitted the identity of security agents to be suppressed Not an inquiry of the National Anti-Corruption type and certainly not one conducted by anyone recommended by any people on the commission or Attorney-General’s department officials of the sort who wanted entirely closed criminal trials of people such as Bernard Collaery and Witness J – on trial mostly to cover up misbehaviour by Commonwealth officials be looking at matters such as Dreyfus’s judgment and the lines of communication in the security environment Albanese is presumably briefed by now on the broad circumstances of the caravan case and about what state and federal investigators now know or believe about it There is no suggestion of any misconduct by Albanese or negligence by him in failing to personally involve himself or direct the investigation Dutton is a former Queensland policeman of no great rank or reputation either or after being minister for home affairs he has never hesitated to over blow a security issue on protecting citizens from such threats as refugees Over the past two weeks he has implied that the failure to notify Albanese immediately occurred because investigators He has implied from Albanese’s silence some indication of a guilty conscience Perhaps Albanese is antisemitic and doesn’t care about them Loyal Jewish spokesmen can be heard to this effect for which there is precious little evidence an impressionable public is being persuaded that the government is dragging its feet on public safety that Albanese was not well briefed on the affair (or that he neglected to get informed But Dutton is not looking at their negligence but making everything the result of some character defect of Albanese Perhaps Albanese should be regarded as missing in action because he did not immediately take charge Perhaps he should have shoved the police commissioner and the ASIO officers aside and personally directed arrests It’s the sort of thing that a tough man like Dutton with his police background and his police culture experience Dutton and some of his frontbenchers have suggested that what was before the cops and ASIO was the prospect of the most serious act of terrorism in Australian history the investigators and the media seem unanimous that the threat of an explosion was against Jewish Australians but the evidence for the worst possibilities is far from overwhelming I remain to be convinced that there was a plan to blow up any sort of Jewish centre in some sort of Oklahoma bombing event incidentally capable of justifying further restrictions on freedom of speech but my dial starts with a presumption of innocence about 600 ACT cops supplemented by others from NSW lined the streets of Canberra from the airport to the Lakeside Hotel down Commonwealth Avenue and Adelaide Avenue to Government House and between Government House and the old parliament The security precautions were about triple those during the visit some years before of the American president Police and ASIO forecasts warned of a serious risk that some anti-communist zealot although Croatians galore were having a great time mocking the visit As a motorcade of Yugoslav armed security guards and ACT cops drove along Commonwealth Avenue with police on the roadside poking into bushes Just over Commonwealth Avenue bridge are two roundabouts allowing people from Treasury to get on and off Commonwealth Avenue where a fellow in a ute was using a shovel to dig a hole in the grassy lawn As Frank and I stopped and wandered over for a yarn though he seemed to have no interest in the fellow with a shovel went over to ask the man with the shovel what he was doing It turned out that he had some sort of tree-planting contract The cop idly looked under a tarp in his ute several mechanics’ tool boxes bolted on to the top about three sticks of very sweaty dynamite The fellow said he had had it about two years had been oblivious to the state visit and it had been purely by coincidence that he was at work on his contract that day I was pleasantly surprised he did not have a .22 rifle handy for most Canberra for shooting the rabbits which were (and again are) in plague proportions A part of the Bijedic story involved a dispute between Attorney-General Lionel Murphy and ASIO about whether ASIO was alarmed enough about the threat to Bijedic from Croatian terrorists The Commonwealth Police persuaded Murphy otherwise The dispute led to Murphy’s raids on Canberra and Melbourne ASIO HQ about a week before I have been on the site of any number of terrorist atrocities including the Hilton bombing incident about two hours after but have ever since begun my job with a certain scepticism The federal model of royal commissions of recent days involves narrow on the lines of the Wheat for Oil Royal Commission called to investigate allegations of trade of Australian wheat with Iraq in knowing breaches of sanctions The trade liberated money for Saddam Hussein that was used to buy arms later able to be used against Australia and American allies in the 2003 Iraqi war There were ample implications that officials in the department of Foreign Affairs and Trade But John Howard wrote the terms of reference so tightly that his commissioner was not allowed to investigate what ministers knew and what they did Kevin Rudd did an excellent job in keeping the scandal to the fore relevant ministers and officials were able to suggest that the report’s silence on connivance issues meant they had been An inquiry is not needed to second guess a jury or to compromise a trial What the public wants to know is what happened and whether the guardians are up to the job Weaknesses in the idea that there was a plot on foot appears to have been abandoned perhaps two weeks before it was found That may not discredit the idea of the potential of the stash of explosives but it does suggest that any project had been abandoned long before the discovery of the stash There has been coyness about a note with the stash said to mention a location pointing to potential use against some Israeli The context and the plan should be part of the subject matter of the inquiry as well as the analysis made of its meaning by the various investigators It would not be the function of an inquiry to itself make its own analysis of the clues But its job would be to look at the words themselves and the deductions about what they meant as well as how other information in their hands supported such conclusions as various stages of the investigations The need for this is not to test any conspiracy theory of a set-up job There will always be those who will believe such things Some will claim that ASIO and anti-terror squads working in Australia are professionally predisposed to seeing security matters from Israel’s perspective and to have mentally come to assume that terror and bombs are most likely to have come from supporters of Palestine There is a long Australian history of such rushes to judgment on inadequate evidence and of tunnel vision in remaining attached to such ideas even when the evidence falls far short of being compelling Commissioner Mick Kelty and AFP detectives (and the DPP and Liberal ministers) could not be shaken from their belief that Dr Mohammed Haneef was a terrorist sometimes the worse these days because it now has executive powers and often (as now) leaders who yearn for places on the public stage If it was merely a matter of publicity hounds (like some police commissioners also) they might be a screen behind which the worker bees use experience and judgment there is always internal pressure to make judgments agree with the latest pronouncements from above ASIO has sometimes found it difficult to escape pressure from politicians for the agency to participate in party political stunts Intelligence assessments are not like bills of criminal indictment Some can never provide proof beyond reasonable doubt Even material of doubtful probity must be considered carefully because of the risk to human lives the reliability (and logic) of information weighed against the risks involved when investigators have access to all manner of means of electronic surveillance there is more pressure on analysts to be able to show the logic behind tentative conclusions Those in custody seem to be at the bottom of any hierarchy planning a seriously disruptive act Cops have yet to find individuals who can persuasively link different sets of suspects have they so far found any sort of mastermind or even evidence of a co-ordinated project selective briefing of decision makers (possibly based in part to a tendency to lap up whatever they are told.) Nor has it escaped the eye of Labor figures that all of the major investigative players are appointees of Coalition governments and not to be regarded as political pawns at the direction of the opposition But some Labor paranoids note that the Commonwealth officials were all appointed by Peter Dutton They tend to share his views about the security environment They have a common propensity to hector and warn the general population about alleged threats to it and a pessimistic outlook about what the future holds Labor is preparing for an election focused on the cost of living and major health and social projects; Dutton by contrast wants the election to be fought on his grounds which includes focusing on threats to national security and suggestions that Albanese has been “weak “hopeless’’ and “indecisive” about them exactly suit his purpose Likewise the NSW police has a less than stellar record of good deductions their conclusions and their operational tactics in the Lindt Cafe affair made them appear amateurs The NSW Police are uncommonly politicised and participate in the premier’s publicity stunts One reason why Albo ought to find a royal commission an attractive prospect is for the politics of it all I know the old argument that royal commissions often go wrong and should never ask questions to which one does not know the answer But I don’t expect that anyone in the government has much on his or her conscience the inquiry is not only an opportunity to make the coalition put up or shut up but to establish that they are smearing Albo for partisan purposes in ways that invite questions about their fitness for office is an Australian journalist and commentator David Hudson tells budget estimates the terrorism theory was ruled out ahead of public being told it was a criminal ‘con job’ One of New South Wales most senior police officer’s had doubts the Dural caravan plot was a terrorist threat from the “very early stages of the investigation” but says that theory was not completely ruled out until 21 February The deputy police commissioner, David Hudson, confirmed during a dramatic budget estimates hearing that police briefings to the government about the caravan found laden with explosives on the outskirts of Sydney would have not “categorically” said if the plot was a terrorist threat or criminal plot But the government was informed that it was being “treated at its highest” and both lines of inquiry were being investigated was told last Friday it was a criminal plot ahead of the police revealing to the public on Monday it was a “con job” that was not ideologically motivated and was orchestrated by organised crime figures to distract police and influence prosecutions The police also revealed that 14 other incidents in recent months – which included an attempted arson attack on one synagogue and the graffiti of another – were also believed to be coordinated by “a very small group” or “potentially one individual” and those who had been arrested so far had no ideologically motivations Hudson filled in the gaps of who knew what when after Catley repeatedly refused to answer questioning by the opposition, Greens and independents to provide more detail on when she became aware it could be a ruse, and if that was before the Minns government rushed through controversial legislation designed to stem antisemitism. under questioning from independent Rod Roberts police ruled out the prospect the caravan plot was a terrorist threat on 21 February This was the same day the parliament passed the government’s hate speech legislation Hudson had indicated to the public the police were investigating whether or not it was a “set-up” the day after the plot was first revealed After the caravan was discovered in Dural with a note that had a list of Jewish targets Catley said that the legislation did not specifically relate to that event and was drafted to respond to “hateful crimes” that had occurred for months in Sydney, with the Jewish community increasingly feeling terrorised. In response, Higginson pointed out that the caravan plot and the 14 people arrested by the police operation tasked with investigating hate crimes were not ideologically motivated, according to police. She asked why the public wasn’t informed of that. “Well, that has now been disclosed,” Catley responded. Catley continued to be grilled over who knew what when by Liberal MP Susan Carter, the shadow assistant minister for the attorney general. Catley maintained it was her duty as police minister to not disclose confidential briefings, however Carter pointed out: “I am not asking you for confidential details. I’m asking you for details that are no longer confidential.” “Well they were confidential and I’m not sharing them with you,” Catley responded. It was not revealed in the hearing when the premier or minister became aware that the 14 other incidents were not ideologically motivated and were allegedly orchestrated by organised crime figures. The police confirmed again during the hearing that the Newtown Synagogue was one of the 14 supposed antisemitic incidents that were not motivated by antisemitism or racial hatred but was “tasked by others”. Watch 3m 10sA counter-terror investigation has been launched after explosives were discovered in a Sydney caravan, believed to be set for an anti-Semitic attack This is probably not the page you’re looking for “The construction of the property was a labour of love for the seller,” says agent Carolyn Wheatley. “They were instrumental in the build in 2016 to ensure it was a sleek and modern home with a floor plan that suited their love of entertaining – right down to constructing a football pitch for the family.” The bespoke home is set high to capture the surrounding vistas and laid out across one floor. Doors and windows connect the indoors to the lush landscape and allow for peaceful moments of retreat. Nature is in abundance, including a tiered fish pond, a Japanese-styled courtyard with a burbling creek, irrigated vegetable patches, and established mature trees. Browse Domain’s property and lifestyle magazines. “The owner project managed the construction themselves,” Wheatley continues. “The groundskeeper, who has remained to this day, worked alongside the seller to create all of the gardens that surround the home.” Entering through the main foyer, the living and kitchen are flanked by the office and a separate library. The high-spec kitchen with Corian benchtops and a king-sized island connects easily to the dining room and spills out to the deck. A butler’s pantry and separate sitting room continue this entertainer’s dream, flowing down to the poolside terrace, fitted barbecue and fire pit. In the east wing are three bedrooms (one with an en suite), a family bathroom, and finally, the main bedroom retreat featuring a suspended fireplace and a private Zen courtyard. A walk-in wardrobe is joined by a spa-like bathroom with a basin hand-cut from granite and a wall of copper tiles. Everything from the hand-tooled sandstone blocks that adorn the fireplaces to the lighting was imagined by the owner for a vision of semi-rural luxury. “The main factor that makes this state-of-the-art property a cut above the rest is the attention to detail, right down to the sandstone, hand-selected by the owner block by block,” says Wheatley. Special elements include one-of-a-kind cascading crystal chandeliers designed by the owner that complement the floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights for a light-bathed home. Plus, next to the main residence, a two-bedroom retreat offers additional living space for visiting family above a six-car garage. With all of this in mind, the location amplifies the custom features for an entirely private address. “This property is tucked in close to Round Corner, allowing for ultimate commuting convenience yet far enough away for a private rural lifestyle,” says Wheatley. As the vendor moves to their next adventure, this Dural property offers the best of both worlds for an astute new owner. This feature is part of a Domain Prestige exclusive package. Pressure is mounting on NSW Police to make arrests over an apparent plot to target a Sydney synagogue with stolen mining explosives as the number of antisemitic attacks across the city grows But authorities are defending the decision to keep the potential threat to the community secret for 10 days despite criticism from Jewish groups and leaders Here’s everything you need to know as we wrap up our coverage for the night: Thank you for joining our coverage today. You can read our full story on the fallout here. Children from Jewish schools cover the emblem on their blazers with many no longer travelling to class by bus Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth says Australia is a welcoming place.Credit: Janie Barrett As threats to Sydney’s Jewish community escalate Rabbi Benjamin Elton from The Great Synagogue has been advised to vary his daily route between home and work “That’s what it means to be psychologically terrorising a whole community.” Read Herald chief reporter Jordan Baker’s full story on the impact the recent spate of antisemitic violence has had on the Jewish community here. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has branded the perpetrators of antisemitic attacks “cowards” who will be “hunted down and locked up” as Israel’s foreign minister accused Australian authorities of allowing attacks on Jews to run rampant Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pictured last week.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen While police probed the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives and containing the address of a Sydney synagogue the federal government’s special envoy on antisemitism declared the finding of the vehicle a chilling reminder of the hatred that led to the Holocaust “There’s zero tolerance in Australia for hatred and for antisemitism and I want any perpetrators to be hunted down and locked up - it’s as simple as that,” Albanese said on Thursday as he defended his government’s handling of antisemitism You can read the full piece by Matthew Knott here. A woman who identified herself as a friend of Scott Marshall has painted a grim picture of the man who was the subject of police raids following the discovery a caravan packed with explosives who did not want to be named for safety reasons described Marshall as someone who had struggled with his finances and had spent a lot of his time looking after his mother Scott Marshall and Tammie Farrugia.Credit: TikTok “Scotty would ring me up for $20 on an average day “He does not paint the picture of a terrorist to me … He’s not a protesting type he’s not against Palestine or Islam or Israel.” who also did not wish to be named for safety reasons there’s no way she’s anything but a follower … she’s not spending her time thinking about this stuff.” The cache of stolen explosives left in a dumped caravan in Sydney’s north-west alongside the name of a Sydney synagogue was so powerful it could have caused a 40-metre blast radius believed to have been stolen from a mine site that Premier Chris Minns described their detonation as a potential “mass-casualty event” Dozens of Powergel-branded products are listed by SafeWork NSW as authorised explosives The explosive typically has a putty-like consistency and is packaged in film Read more about Powergel here. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has apologised for appearing to downplay the Jewish community’s concerns about antisemitism by saying their fears are “not always unfounded” In an interview on Thursday morning on Channel Nine’s Today show Chalmers described the discovery of a caravan in Sydney packed with explosives and containing the address of a synagogue as a “chilling course of events” that was “deeply troubling” and “unsettling” Treasurer Jim Chalmers.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen He added that what the incident “shows is that the fears in the Jewish community are not always unfounded when it comes to the potential for these kinds of violent acts” He said in a separate interview on ABC radio that the Jewish community’s fears were “not always unfounded” His comments caused immediate offence among some members of the Jewish community who felt he was suggesting their concerns about antisemitism had sometimes been overblown “I’ve had that relayed to me and I apologise,” Chalmers said “My intention was to share and acknowledge the very real and understandable fears and concerns in the Jewish community in light of recent events “I could have and should have expressed that more clearly The Albanese government’s special envoy on antisemitism has described the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives and containing the address of a synagogue as a “chilling reminder that the same hatred that led to the murder of millions of Jews during the Holocaust still exists today” Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism who is returning to Australia from commemorations in Poland for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp said: “The discovery in Sydney will only heighten the fear and anxiety within the Jewish community “With weekly protests marked by antisemitism along with threats to property and attacks on places of worship prime minister and police must convince the Jewish community that secrecy was necessary as it investigated who was behind the explosive-laden caravan writes state polical editor Alexandra Smith: NSW Premier Chris Minns has shown strong leadership as antisemitism has swept across his city reassuring a shaken Jewish community that he will never abandon them NSW Premier Chris Minns condemns “bastards” behind the latest graffiti attack on Thursday morning.Credit: Nick Moir antisemitic bile is splashed across public places and hundreds of police are patrolling their streets in a constant reminder that violence is always lurking which is not extended to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cannot convince the Jewish community that it had to be kept in the dark over the discovery of an explosive-laden caravan that had the potential to cause mass casualties There was a note inside with details of a Sydney synagogue The only reason the details of the caravan abandoned for six weeks in the semi-rural Sydney suburb of Dural emerged and were confirmed on Wednesday was because the Daily Telegraph had been leaked the details You can read her full analysis here. And just before we told you ASIO General Secretary Mike Burgess has released a statement ruling out changing the national threat level from probable arguing that the level was raised last August because they anticipated spikes in politically motivated violence in conjunction with our law enforcement partners investigating multiple anti-Semitic incidents in Australia We have seen a disturbing escalation in the targeting of Jewish interests and a disturbing escalation in the severity and recklessness of the targeting with general harassment and intimidation moving to the targeting of people and places and particularly distressing for the Jewish community While ASIO keeps the national terrorism threat level under constant review I do not anticipate changing the threat level from PROBABLE in the immediate future One of the key reasons we raised the threat level in August 2024 was because we anticipated spikes in politically motivated violence the security environment has evolved almost exactly as we expected ASIO anticipates an increase in politically motivated violence – including terrorism – across all ideological spectrums.” PROBABLE means probable – we assess there is a greater than 50 per cent chance of a domestic terrorist attack or attack planning in the next 12 months The current terrorism threat level is the same as it was at the height of the Islamic State caliphate While the caravan matter in New South Wales remains under police investigation ASIO does not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety I understand how distressing these incidents are and want to assure members of the community ASIO is using the full range of its capabilities to assist multiple police investigations including through the well-established structures of Joint Counter Terrorism Teams around the country I urge anyone with concerns about potential terrorist activity to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or hotline@nationalsecurity.gov.au. In an emergency, call 000. Security is a shared responsibility – even more so at a time such as this. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has again refused to answer questions on when he was briefed about the caravan filled with explosives. Despite Premier Chris Minns confirming he was informed of the police operation on January 20, Albanese dodged questions about when he knew and whether national cabinet discussed the matter when it sat on January 21. “What I do is I don’t comment on operational matters,” he said. “There are two issues that are my priority. The first is making sure that people are kept safe. The second, which is related to that, is making sure that any investigations aren’t undermined and that the police and national security agencies are able to do their work. “I get ongoing briefings every day, I get a national security briefing and indeed just this morning we had a full meeting of the National Security Committee.” Asked if national cabinet discussed the incident, Albanese refused to answer. “I repeat, I don’t intend to go through operational matters, nor do we go through the detail of what’s discussed at cabinet meetings, or national cabinet meetings, or National Security Committee meetings,” he said. In response to earlier remarks from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Albanese steered away from hitting back at the Liberal leader. “This is a time for unity and for the country to come together against these atrocities and this appalling act. Not a time to look for political partisanship or to make political points. I don’t intend to do so,” he said. Pressure is mounting on NSW Police to make arrests over an apparent plot to target a Sydney synagogue with stolen mining explosives as the number of antisemitic attacks across the city grows. But authorities are defending the decision to keep the potential threat to the community secret for 10 days, despite criticism from Jewish groups and leaders. Here\\u2019s everything you need to know as we wrap up our coverage for the night: Thank you for joining our coverage today. You can read our full story on the fallout Children from Jewish schools cover the emblem on their blazers, with many no longer travelling to class by bus. Their fearful parents drive them instead, and on days when worry is highest, some children are kept at home. As threats to Sydney\\u2019s Jewish community escalate, Rabbi Benjamin Elton from The Great Synagogue has been advised to vary his daily route between home and work. He won\\u2019t be cowed by shadowy criminals, but this is a sensible precaution. He has a wife and children to think about. \\u201CYou\\u2019re nervous going to sleep, nervous waking up, nervous checking your phone,\\u201D says Elton. \\u201CThat\\u2019s what it means to be psychologically terrorising a whole community.\\u201D Read Herald chief reporter Jordan Baker\\u2019s full story on the impact the recent spate of antisemitic violence has had on the Jewish community Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has branded the perpetrators of antisemitic attacks \\u201Ccowards\\u201D who will be \\u201Chunted down and locked up\\u201D, as Israel\\u2019s foreign minister accused Australian authorities of allowing attacks on Jews to run rampant. While police probed the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives and containing the address of a Sydney synagogue, the federal government\\u2019s special envoy on antisemitism, Jillian Segal, declared the finding of the vehicle a chilling reminder of the hatred that led to the Holocaust. \\u201CThere\\u2019s zero tolerance in Australia for hatred and for antisemitism, and I want any perpetrators to be hunted down and locked up - it\\u2019s as simple as that,\\u201D Albanese said on Thursday as he defended his government\\u2019s handling of antisemitism. A woman who identified herself as a friend of Scott Marshall has painted a grim picture of the man who was the subject of police raids following the discovery a caravan packed with explosives. The woman, who did not want to be named for safety reasons, described Marshall as someone who had struggled with his finances and had spent a lot of his time looking after his mother. She had last seen him on November 15. \\u201CThey\\u2019re living in housing commission, they\\u2019re not rich,\\u201D she said. \\u201CScotty would ring me up for $20 on an average day. We take them food and blankets.\\u201D When it came to his political motivation, she said he had never spoken about Israel. \\u201CHe and Tammie are not the sharpest tools, but I love them. \\u201CHe does not paint the picture of a terrorist to me \\u2026 He\\u2019s not a protesting type, he\\u2019s not against Palestine or Islam or Israel.\\u201D Another person, who also did not wish to be named for safety reasons, described Tammie Farrugia, who was also targeted by police in raids, as \\u201Ca follower\\u201D. \\u201CShe\\u2019s a follower, there\\u2019s no way she\\u2019s anything but a follower \\u2026 she\\u2019s not spending her time thinking about this stuff.\\u201D The cache of stolen explosives left in a dumped caravan in Sydney\\u2019s north-west alongside the name of a Sydney synagogue was so powerful it could have caused a 40-metre blast radius. So powerful are the Powergel explosives, believed to have been stolen from a mine site, that Premier Chris Minns described their detonation as a potential \\u201Cmass-casualty event\\u201D. Dozens of Powergel-branded products are listed by SafeWork NSW as authorised explosives. The explosive typically has a putty-like consistency and is packaged in film. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has apologised for appearing to downplay the Jewish community\\u2019s concerns about antisemitism by saying their fears are \\u201Cnot always unfounded\\u201D. In an interview on Thursday morning on Channel Nine\\u2019s Today show, Chalmers described the discovery of a caravan in Sydney packed with explosives and containing the address of a synagogue as a \\u201Cchilling course of events\\u201D that was \\u201Cdeeply troubling\\u201D and \\u201Cunsettling\\u201D. He added that what the incident \\u201Cshows is that the fears in the Jewish community are not always unfounded when it comes to the potential for these kinds of violent acts\\u201D. He said in a separate interview on ABC radio that the Jewish community\\u2019s fears were \\u201Cnot always unfounded\\u201D. His comments caused immediate offence among some members of the Jewish community, who felt he was suggesting their concerns about antisemitism had sometimes been overblown. \\u201CI\\u2019ve had that relayed to me and I apologise,\\u201D Chalmers said. \\u201CMy intention was to share and acknowledge the very real and understandable fears and concerns in the Jewish community in light of recent events. \\u201CI could have and should have expressed that more clearly, and I\\u2019m sorry I didn\\u2019t.\\u201D The Albanese government\\u2019s special envoy on antisemitism, Jillian Segal, has described the discovery of a caravan packed with explosives and containing the address of a synagogue as a \\u201Cchilling reminder that the same hatred that led to the murder of millions of Jews during the Holocaust still exists today\\u201D. Segal, who is returning to Australia from commemorations in Poland for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, said: \\u201CThe discovery in Sydney will only heighten the fear and anxiety within the Jewish community. \\u201CWith weekly protests marked by antisemitism, along with threats to property and attacks on places of worship, today\\u2019s events are yet another escalation. This hatred must stop.\\u201D The premier, prime minister and police must convince the Jewish community that secrecy was necessary as it investigated who was behind the explosive-laden caravan, writes state polical editor Alexandra Smith: NSW Premier Chris Minns has shown strong leadership as antisemitism has swept across his city, reassuring a shaken Jewish community that he will never abandon them. In turn, the Jewish community has been grateful, watching on as homes, cars and childcare centres are firebombed, antisemitic bile is splashed across public places and hundreds of police are patrolling their streets in a constant reminder that violence is always lurking. However, that goodwill to Minns, which is not extended to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, could evaporate if the premier, and his police force, cannot convince the Jewish community that it had to be kept in the dark over the discovery of an explosive-laden caravan that had the potential to cause mass casualties. There was a note inside with details of a Sydney synagogue. The only reason the details of the caravan, abandoned for six weeks in the semi-rural Sydney suburb of Dural, emerged and were confirmed on Wednesday was because the Daily Telegraph had been leaked the details. At that point, the government and police had to jump. And just before we told you ASIO General Secretary Mike Burgess has released a statement ruling out changing the national threat level from probable, arguing that the level was raised last August because they anticipated spikes in politically motivated violence. Here is the statement in full: ASIO is monitoring and, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, investigating multiple anti-Semitic incidents in Australia. We have seen a disturbing escalation in the targeting of Jewish interests, and a disturbing escalation in the severity and recklessness of the targeting, with general harassment and intimidation moving to the targeting of people and places. These incidents are appalling, and particularly distressing for the Jewish community. While ASIO keeps the national terrorism threat level under constant review, I do not anticipate changing the threat level from PROBABLE in the immediate future. One of the key reasons we raised the threat level in August 2024 was because we anticipated spikes in politically motivated violence. Unfortunately, the security environment has evolved almost exactly as we expected. As I said at that time: \\u201CAs polarisation, frustration and perceived injustices grow, ASIO anticipates an increase in politically motivated violence \\u2013 including terrorism \\u2013 across all ideological spectrums.\\u201D PROBABLE means probable \\u2013 we assess there is a greater than 50 per cent chance of a domestic terrorist attack or attack planning in the next 12 months. The current terrorism threat level is the same as it was at the height of the Islamic State caliphate. While the caravan matter in New South Wales remains under police investigation, ASIO does not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety. I understand how distressing these incidents are, and want to assure members of the community ASIO is using the full range of its capabilities to assist multiple police investigations, including through the well-established structures of Joint Counter Terrorism Teams around the country. I urge anyone with concerns about potential terrorist activity to contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or . In an emergency, call 000. Security is a shared responsibility \\u2013 even more so at a time such as this. \\u201CWhat I do is I don\\u2019t comment on operational matters,\\u201D he said. \\u201CThere are two issues that are my priority. The first is making sure that people are kept safe. The second, which is related to that, is making sure that any investigations aren\\u2019t undermined and that the police and national security agencies are able to do their work. \\u201CI get ongoing briefings every day, I get a national security briefing and indeed just this morning we had a full meeting of the National Security Committee.\\u201D \\u201CI repeat, I don\\u2019t intend to go through operational matters, nor do we go through the detail of what\\u2019s discussed at cabinet meetings, or national cabinet meetings, or National Security Committee meetings,\\u201D he said. \\u201CThis is a time for unity and for the country to come together against these atrocities and this appalling act. Not a time to look for political partisanship or to make political points. I don\\u2019t intend to do so,\\u201D he said. Tammie Farrugia and Scott Marshall are being investigated Scott Marshall has been charged with a number of offences relating to an antisemitic incident in Woollahra He was previously named on a search warrant relating to the explosives found in a Dural caravan Detectives are also calling for the public to help identify a man who they believe is connected to a January 30 graffiti incident at a school in Sydney's east Link copiedShareShare articleNSW Police have charged a Sydney man with a series of offences related to an antisemitic incident in Woollahra in December Scott Marshall, 36, had been previously named on a search warrant, along with his partner Tammie Farrugia, after an explosives-filled caravan was discovered in Dural in Sydney's north-west several buildings and vehicles were vandalised with antisemitic graffiti and a car was set alight was arrested at Parklea Correctional Centre on Tuesday and charged with a number of offences in relation to the Woollahra incident including participate criminal group contribute criminal activity He was refused bail and will appear at Downing Street Local Court on April 3 A total of 13 people have now been charged under Strike Force Pearl It comes as NSW Police called for the public to help identify a man who they believe is connected to another antisemitic incident in Sydney Detectives released CCTV vision of a car — a white Kia Stonic SUV — and said they hoped to speak to the driver and passenger captured in the footage who they believe can assist with inquiries Police are calling for the public's assistance The car was first seen travelling on the M5 on-ramp near Kingsgrove Road Detective Superintendent Darren Newman said the male driver was spotted getting out of the car near a school in Maroubra which was defaced with antisemitic graffiti that same day Heavy set and he's wearing clothing which is disguising him." Superintendent Newman said the number plate used on a car involved in the Maroubra incident was "cloned" NSW Police said they remained focused on a number of investigations including the graffiti and arson attack on a Dover Heights home on January 17 Superintendent Newman also provided an update on a separate investigation into two nurses from Bankstown Hospital who were filmed threatening harm to Israeli patients He said there were complexities in the investigation and that police were speaking with the Israeli content creator behind the video on a "daily basis" You can look back on today's developments below, or download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest updates. Copy link19 Feb, 12:55amWed 19 Feb 2025 at 12:55amPolice say 13 have been charged so farStrike Force Pearl has charged 13 people with 68 offences so far, according to Superintendent Newman. "There are more people to be charged. And we will certainly make sure that we follow up every single line of enquiry that we can to make sure that we find those who are potentially organising these offences and those who are committing them," he says. Copy link19 Feb, 12:51amWed 19 Feb 2025 at 12:51amNumber plate 'cloned', police saySuperintendent Newman says the number plate used on a car that was involved in the January 30 incident at Maroubra was "cloned". "We have identified the registered owner of that vehicle. They are a local resident of Sydney. We’ve spoken to that particular owner and we’re comfortable that that person is certainly not involved and that plate has been cloned," he says. Watch 2m 5sFederal Police believe a caravan laden with explosives in Sydney's north-west was a fake plot concocted by criminals wanting to create fear. Credit: TNV/SuppliedA caravan laden with explosives seemingly intended for a synagogue and other Jewish linked addresses is the subject of a massive cross-agency investigation in what marks a major escalation of Australia’s anti-Semitism crisis The caravan was found on the side of the road in Dural on January 19 by a local resident but was only revealed by police on Wednesday The resident had towed the abandoned caravan to their nearby property before making the discovery and notifying police Get the first look at the digital newspaper curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Police have confirmed that inside the van they found power gel which they say could have been obtained from a mining site and has a blast zone radius of up to 40 metres in diameter including a synagogue; and another reportedly reading “f.. Police are investigating whether the notes were left to be intentionally found The discovery came two days after the former home of Jewish leader Alex Ryvchin was attacked in Dover Heights and a day before a Maroubra childcare centre was firebombed and tagged with anti-Semitic graffiti State police are also working with Victorian and Queensland counterparts to explore potential links with incidents in other states. While the incident has not yet been declared a terrorist incident, NSW Premier Chris Minns said what had been discovered was a “potential mass casualty event”. “There’s only one way of calling it out, and that is terrorism... This would strike terror into the community, particularly the Jewish community, and it must be met with the full resources of the government,” he said. He said the public should be assured that “all the resources of NSW Police and the Government will go towards keeping the community safe”. Police at the property where the caravan was discovered. Credit: TNV/Supplied“Police take this threat incredibly seriously,” he said. “Anyone attempting this level of violence in NSW will be met by every resource that we have to throw at it.” He said despite it not being made public for the last 10 days, it had been the NSW Police force’s “number one priority”. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement “unequivocally” condemning the attack. “The full might of the AFP, ASIO and NSW Police are being utilised in this major investigation by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team,” he said. “The NSW Police have people in custody and continue with other agencies, including those involved in AFP Special Operation Avalite to investigate threats, violence and hatred towards the Australian Jewish community, and take action and hold people to account for crimes. “Hate and extremism have no place in Australian society.” Deputy police commissioner David Hudson said police had not declared the incident a terror act because they didn’t need the additional powers — but wouldn’t hesitate to ask if the investigation warranted it. “We need to gather further evidence from a number of individuals that we’ve identified, and those investigations are ongoing before we would even consider asking the commissioner to make such an assessment,” he said. NSW Premier Chris Minns labelled the caravan a “terror” act, despite it not being formally declared as such. Credit: STEVEN SAPHORE/AAPIMAGEThe investigation is separate to Strike Force Pearl, the specific operation set up in December to respond to rising anti-Semitic crimes in Sydney. But, he said police believe there could be “some connection” between this investigation and targets charged under the Strike Force. He said there had been arrests made “on the periphery of this job”, but still needed the public’s help in their investigation and called for anyone who had seen the caravan between December 7 and January 19 to contact them. “We will not rest until these matters are resolved. We understand the concerns of the community, we understand the concerns of the Jewish community, and we take all these threats exceptionally seriously,” he said. He said investigations had progressed over the last 10 days but there was “a lot to do”. He would not reveal details of the intended targets but said the Jewish community had been kept in the loop. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Peter Wertheim said the peak body was “most concerned about this alarming incident”. “We have been assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated by the police to get to the bottom of exactly what happened, who was involved and what their motives were,” he said. “It would be inappropriate to comment further until the facts have been confirmed. Given the recent attacks against the Jewish community the sooner that happens, the better.” Shadow home affairs minister James Paterson said the discovery of a “roadside bomb targeting the Jewish community is an incredibly disturbing development in an escalating domestic terrorism crisis”. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has been briefed. Latest EditionEdition Edition 5 May 20255 May 2025All-powerful Anthony Albanese says give me some R.E.S.P.E.C.T The owner of a caravan containing the address of a Sydney synagogue and enough stolen explosives to create a 40-metre blast wave is in police custody which was found at Dural in Sydney’s north-west on January 19 has not been charged in relation to the discovery of the explosives but has been previously arrested for other alleged offending It is unclear how long they have been in custody or what offences they have been charged with NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson on Wednesday evening said no arrests were directly linked to the discovery but several “around the periphery” of the potential caravan attack had been made Those arrested were picked up by Strike Force Pearl which was established to combat the waves of antisemitic attacks across Sydney it was escalated out of the strike force and handed to the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team Police and NSW Premier Chris Minns on Wednesday evening defended staying silent on the “very serious threat” and potential “mass casualty event” for 10 days after the investigation by the country’s elite anti-terror team leaked to the media The revelation comes after waves of antisemitic attacks have rocked Sydney and left the Jewish community shaken Police were called to Derriwong Road on January 19 after a local discovered and moved an abandoned caravan filled with explosives The caravan had been parked on the roadside in a hazardous position between December 7 and January 19 The Powergel explosives found inside were believed to have been stolen from a mine site and were powerful enough to create a 40-metre blast wave Police executed a search warrant on a property located on Derriwong Road The address of a synagogue was found in the caravan and security agencies were called in as the caravan was seized “There’s only one way of calling it out and that is terrorism,” Minns said “This would strike terror into the community and it must be met with the full resources of the government And I want to assure the people of NSW that’s exactly what’s happening.” which combines state and Commonwealth agencies including the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation has taken over the investigation and tasked more than 100 officers to catch the perpetrators Hudson said police had “no information that there are further explosives in our community in relation to conducting antisemitic attacks anywhere” While Minns was told on January 20 and national cabinet was held on January 21 the meeting of state and federal leaders did not discuss the investigation because operational matters are not usually put to the group The office of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not say when he was told “The full resources of the state of NSW and NSW Police have been deployed to confront this very serious threat to our community,” Minns said Albanese described the actions as an attempt at terror “This was clearly aimed at terrorising the community,” he said Albanese “unequivocally” condemned the act and said hate and extremism had “no place in Australian society” “The NSW Police have people in custody and continue with other agencies including those involved in AFP Special Operation Avalite to investigate threats violence and hatred towards the Australian Jewish community and take action and hold people to account for crimes,” Albanese said Opposition Leader Peter Dutton labelled the discovery “as sickening as it is horrifying” and called on the federal government to reveal when it was briefed about the incident and “what steps they took to protect Australia’s Jewish community” “It is a grave and sinister escalation in this insidious rise of unchecked antisemitism in our country,” Dutton said in a social media post on Wednesday night calling for the federal government to commit additional resources including extra security at synagogues and Jewish schools Coalition home affairs spokesman James Paterson also called for answers about why the discovery was kept secret and when authorities briefed the prime minister and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke NSW Premier Chris Minns and NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner David Hudson speak at a press conference about the Dural discovery.Credit: Nine News “The apparent discovery of a roadside bomb in NSW targeting the Jewish community is an incredibly disturbing development in an escalating domestic terrorism crisis,” Paterson said on social media “The prime minister and minister for home affairs must explain when they were first briefed on this matter what action they took to protect the community and why they thought it was appropriate to keep it a secret for this long.” Hudson said the threat to the community had not been eliminated “The discovery and the detection of the caravan with an amount of explosives was not going to be used in the normal antisemitic attack that we have seen occur in Sydney This is certainly an escalation of that with the use of explosives that have the potential to cause a great deal of damage,” Hudson said Hudson said police were conducting a clandestine investigation and planned to tell the public “very soon” Minns pushed back when asked why the Jewish community and wider public were not made aware of the threat 10 days ago “There’s a very good reason that police don’t detail methods and tactics and that’s so that criminals don’t understand what police are getting up to in their investigations,” he said “Just because it wasn’t being conducted on the front pages of newspapers does not mean this was not an urgent in fact the number one priority of NSW Police.” No particular ideology had been identified as a motivation behind a possible attack Minns said it was “with great regret” that he could not guarantee antisemitic violence would not escalate further “There’s bad actors in our community,” he said they’re intent on doing harm to others in their community it’s an ideology that we need to stamp out.” The discovery comes after a spate of antisemitic attacks that sent shockwaves through Sydney’s Jewish community in recent months including the firebombing of a Maroubra childcare centre on January 21 Video of the centre ablaze showed the words “f--- the Jews” sprayed in black paint on a wall the former home of Australian Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin was targeted in a firebombing while other vehicles were vandalised with antisemitic graffiti in Dover Heights CCTV showed two people dressed in dark clothing pouring accelerant on the road before setting it alight Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim labelled the discovery “alarming” “We have also been assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated by the police to get to the bottom of exactly what happened who was involved and what their motives were It would be inappropriate to comment further until the facts have been confirmed Given the recent attacks against the Jewish community the sooner that happens Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter which was found at Dural in Sydney\\u2019s north-west on January 19 but several \\u201Caround the periphery\\u201D of the potential caravan attack had been made Police and NSW Premier Chris Minns on Wednesday evening defended staying silent on the \\u201Cvery serious threat\\u201D and potential \\u201Cmass casualty event\\u201D for 10 days after the investigation by the country\\u2019s elite anti-terror team leaked to the media \\u201CThere\\u2019s only one way of calling it out and that is terrorism,\\u201D Minns said \\u201CThis would strike terror into the community And I want to assure the people of NSW that\\u2019s exactly what\\u2019s happening.\\u201D Hudson said police had \\u201Cno information that there are further explosives in our community in relation to conducting antisemitic attacks anywhere\\u201D \\u201CThe full resources of the state of NSW and NSW Police have been deployed to confront this very serious threat to our community,\\u201D Minns said \\u201CThis was clearly aimed at terrorising the community,\\u201D he said Albanese \\u201Cunequivocally\\u201D condemned the act and said hate and extremism had \\u201Cno place in Australian society\\u201D \\u201CThe NSW Police have people in custody and continue with other agencies and take action and hold people to account for crimes,\\u201D Albanese said Opposition Leader Peter Dutton labelled the discovery \\u201Cas sickening as it is horrifying\\u201D and called on the federal government to reveal when it was briefed about the incident and \\u201Cwhat steps they took to protect Australia\\u2019s Jewish community\\u201D \\u201CIt is a grave and sinister escalation in this insidious rise of unchecked antisemitism in our country,\\u201D Dutton said in a social media post on Wednesday night for \\u201Creassurance and deterrence\\u201D \\u201CThe apparent discovery of a roadside bomb in NSW targeting the Jewish community is an incredibly disturbing development in an escalating domestic terrorism crisis,\\u201D Paterson said on social media \\u201CThe prime minister and minister for home affairs must explain when they were first briefed on this matter what action they took to protect the community and why they thought it was appropriate to keep it a secret for this long.\\u201D \\u201CThe discovery and the detection of the caravan with an amount of explosives was not going to be used in the normal antisemitic attack that we have seen occur in Sydney This is certainly an escalation of that with the use of explosives that have the potential to cause a great deal of damage,\\u201D Hudson said Hudson said police were conducting a clandestine investigation and planned to tell the public \\u201Cvery soon\\u201D \\u201CThere\\u2019s a very good reason that police don\\u2019t detail methods and tactics and that\\u2019s so that criminals don\\u2019t understand what police are getting up to in their investigations,\\u201D he said \\u201CJust because it wasn\\u2019t being conducted on the front pages of newspapers does not mean this was not an urgent in fact the number one priority of NSW Police.\\u201D Minns said it was \\u201Cwith great regret\\u201D that he could not guarantee antisemitic violence would not escalate further \\u201CThere\\u2019s bad actors in our community,\\u201D he said they\\u2019re intent on doing harm to others in their community it\\u2019s an ideology that we need to stamp out.\\u201D The discovery comes after a that sent shockwaves through Sydney\\u2019s Jewish community in recent months Video of the centre ablaze showed the words \\u201Cf--- the Jews\\u201D sprayed in black paint on a wall Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim labelled the discovery \\u201Calarming\\u201D \\u201CWe have also been assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated by the police to get to the bottom of exactly what happened Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories Police say the explosives found at Dural were allegedly intended for an antisemitic attack What was the explosive – and how is it typically used Counter-terrorism police in New South Wales are investigating after a caravan laden with explosives was found at a residential property in greater Sydney. NSW police said on Wednesday there were indications the explosives – enough to create a 40-metre blast zone – would be used in an antisemitic attack. Police also said they believed the explosives were Powergel, potentially obtained from a mining site. Powergel is the brand name for a range of explosive products used in mining. Trademarked by Orica, an Australian-based multinational and one of the world’s largest providers of commercial explosives, the products mainly consist of ammonium nitrate, a compound widely used in explosives and fertiliser. grey or black in colour with “a firm putty-like consistency” according to information on Orica’s website It is packaged in plastic “sausages” with wire clips at either end Powergel is used as an explosive in a range of mining settings including in open-cut coal and metal mines It is mainly made of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used in fertiliser to provide a source of nitrogen for plants. On its own, ammonium nitrate is a stable chemical at room temperature and requires extreme conditions – such as heavy impact or high heat – for explosion But ammonium nitrate becomes very explosive when mixed with fuel oil such as diesel which is often the case for mining explosives an associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Melbourne you need a release of gas and a release of energy The ammonium nitrate decomposes to create a lot of gas and the fuel oil in the presence of oxygen [from the ammonium nitrate] releases a lot of energy,” he said Da Silva said explosives used in mining such as Powergel were usually not “primary explosives” to detonate [Powergel] to initiate the explosion.” He added that prepackaged explosives such as Powergel were typically “sensitised” – or made more explosive – with gas bubbles or small voids “that helps the shock wave propagate through the material … to then get a true explosion” told media on Thursday: “Whilst the explosive material was found in that caravan an electrolyte which is not required for explosion In NSW, anyone who wants to use and store explosive substances must first apply to SafeWork for a licence. Licence applicants must first obtain security clearance to gain “unsupervised access to explosives, explosive precursors or concentrated ammonium nitrate”, according to SafeWork’s website. blasting explosives licence holders are able to use up to 50kg of blasting explosives and 100kg of ammonium nitrate a day Anyone wanting to store more than 2.5kg of blasting explosives and 50kg of ammonium nitrate overnight must also apply for storage approval “A blasting explosive user licence holder must not allow people to have unsupervised access to explosives or security sensitive dangerous substances unless they hold a valid security clearance,” SafeWork’s website reads A spokesperson said licences for explosives were “only granted when SafeWork NSW is satisfied that security planning is adequate” “Compliance with the requirements of the NSW explosive legislation is monitored via a coordinated approach across multiple teams within SafeWork NSW,” they said “If they do have some of those packaged sausage-type explosives the fact that they managed to get their hands on some of that … is of incredible concern,” da Silva said “The controls on those and the paperwork is that needed to manage that is very extensive.” A caravan laden with explosives and 14 other antisemitic attacks across Sydney’s east were “con jobs” by powerful crime figures trying to either distract police or influence a prosecution rather than racially motivated hate crimes or terror plots The shock revelation comes as 200 federal and NSW Police swept across the city at dawn arresting 14 people and laying dozens of charges on Monday morning For the last month a counter-terror investigation has been trying to unpick who parked a caravan on a suburban street in the suburb of Dural and packed it with Power Gel mining explosives Inside were notes suggesting the Great Synagogue in Sydney would be targeted sparking a political brawl over when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was briefed on what Opposition Leader Peter Dutton labelled “potentially the biggest terrorist attack in our country’s history” expressed concerns that the plot might be a set-up; the caravan had been parked jutting out onto a road obstructing traffic and there was no detonator or wiring in the bomb Last month, this masthead revealed the major investigative theory was that organised criminals had planted the caravan and it was not a legitimate terrorism plot NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson and AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett on Monday afternoon confirmed it A man is arrested in Penshurst as part of Monday’s raids.Credit: NSW Police experienced investigators within the JCTT believed that the caravan was part of a fabricated terrorism plot – essentially a criminal con job,” Barrett said “The caravan was never going to cause a mass casualty event but instead was concocted by criminals who wanted to cause fear for personal benefit “We’re looking at a number of targets offshore and looking at how that is interacting with local organised crime figures for the furthering of these types of attacks.” 14 other high-profile anti-Semitic attacks being investigated by the police squad Strike Force Pearl appeared to be organised by the same crime figures Fourteen people were arrested in the raids.Credit: NSW Police the 14 incidents and the caravan job … are all being orchestrated by the same individuals,” Hudson said Pearl’s 14 investigations include anti-Israeli graffiti and arson targeting Sydney’s Jewish neighbourhoods Police would not confirm the location of the organisers but said there were still a “number of targets” in Australia and abroad “The fact that this incident is now linked to organised crime rather than terrorism does not minimise or diminish the intent to terrorise the community through fear,” Police Commissioner Karen Webb told this masthead One of the homes attacked in Sydney’s east belonged to Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry He said the news that organised crime had probably lit the fire outside his former home and scrawled “f*** Israel” and “f*** Jews” in paint on cars nearby brought little comfort “The community will feel little relief having these revelations,” Ryvchin said “On top of the reality of burning synagogues child care centres and attacks on cars and homes in busy residential areas we now have the involvement of organised crime referring to Jewish targets and antisemitic content for some bewildering reason.” Jewish community leader Alex Ryvchin hours after the attack on his former home.Credit: James Brickwood Police suspect the criminals who organised the caravan plot were in part trying to divert police resources “I have State Crime Command organised crime detectives working on Strike Force Pearl which has distracted them from their normal job,” Hudson said “We have taken actions to ensure that investigations in relation to organised crime have not diminished – so it did not work.” The 49 charges laid on Monday against 14 people include participating in criminal groups and cloning or stealing vehicles NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley said a “huge amount” of resources have been thrown at Pearl “There is no mistake that these acts have wrought fear and anxiety in our Jewish community and we will not tolerate this Explosives were found inside a caravan at a Dural property in Sydney’s north-west on January 19.Credit: TNV vicious incidents such as vile antisemitic graffiti attacks and many of these appear to have been motivated simply by nasty Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on Monday launched a personal attack on Dutton who spent weeks criticising Labor’s oversight of the caravan probe claiming the opposition leader had “played directly into the hands” of criminal plotters and Peter Dutton was one of the people who was conned,” Burke said said Albanese needed to explain when he was briefed on the organised crime connection “National security ministers & the PM should have been promptly briefed The government must now explain whether they were Legal sources told this masthead that underworld crime figures offered to reveal plans about the caravan weeks before its discovery by police hoping to use it as leverage for a reduced prison term speaking anonymously to share sensitive details say at least three criminals were hoping to use the caravan to garner a reduced sentence or to have charges dropped Three people have so far been allegedly linked to the caravan his partner Tammie Farrugia and their friend Simon Nichols were named on the warrants executed by police in the days after the discovery of the caravan Farrugia and Marshall have been charged over a separate arson and graffiti attack in Woollahra in December in which a car was set alight and “kill Israiel” [sic] was sprayed on a wall None of the three have been charged with terror-related offences A caravan laden with explosives and 14 other antisemitic attacks across Sydney\\u2019s east were \\u201Ccon jobs\\u201D by powerful crime figures trying to either distract police or influence a prosecution sparking a political brawl over when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was briefed on what Opposition Leader Peter Dutton labelled \\u201Cpotentially the biggest terrorist attack in our country\\u2019s history\\u201D the major investigative theory was that organised criminals had planted the caravan experienced investigators within the JCTT believed that the caravan was part of a fabricated terrorism plot \\u2013 essentially a criminal con job,\\u201D Barrett said \\u201CThe caravan was never going to cause a mass casualty event but instead was concocted by criminals who wanted to cause fear for personal benefit \\u201CWe\\u2019re looking at a number of targets offshore and looking at how that is interacting with local organised crime figures for the furthering of these types of attacks.\\u201D the 14 incidents and the caravan job \\u2026 are all being orchestrated by the same individuals,\\u201D Hudson said Pearl\\u2019s 14 investigations include anti-Israeli graffiti and arson targeting Sydney\\u2019s Jewish neighbourhoods but said there were still a \\u201Cnumber of targets\\u201D in Australia and abroad \\u201CThe fact that this incident is now linked to organised crime rather than terrorism does not minimise or diminish the intent to terrorise the community through fear,\\u201D Police Commissioner Karen Webb told this masthead One of the homes attacked in Sydney\\u2019s east belonged to Alex Ryvchin He said the news that organised crime had probably lit the fire outside his former home and scrawled \\u201Cf*** Israel\\u201D and \\u201Cf*** Jews\\u201D in paint on cars nearby brought little comfort \\u201CThe community will feel little relief having these revelations,\\u201D Ryvchin said \\u201COn top of the reality of burning synagogues referring to Jewish targets and antisemitic content for some bewildering reason.\\u201D \\u201CI have State Crime Command organised crime detectives working on Strike Force Pearl which has distracted them from their normal job,\\u201D Hudson said \\u201CWe have taken actions to ensure that investigations in relation to organised crime have not diminished \\u2013 so it did not work.\\u201D NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley said a \\u201Chuge amount\\u201D of resources have been thrown at Pearl \\u201CThere is no mistake that these acts have wrought fear and anxiety in our Jewish community and we will not tolerate this \\u201CWe have endured a summer of hateful who spent weeks criticising Labor\\u2019s oversight of the caravan probe claiming the opposition leader had \\u201Cplayed directly into the hands\\u201D of criminal plotters and Peter Dutton was one of the people who was conned,\\u201D Burke said \\u201CNational security ministers & the PM should have been promptly briefed Farrugia and Marshall have been charged over a separate arson and graffiti attack in Woollahra in December in which a car was set alight and \\u201Ckill Israiel\\u201D [sic] was sprayed on a wall Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. The owner of a caravan containing the address of a Sydney synagogue and enough stolen explosives to create a 40-metre blast wave is in police custody. The owner of the van, which was found at Dural in Sydney\\u2019s north-west on January 19, has not been charged in relation to the discovery of the explosives but has been previously arrested for other alleged offending, the Herald understands. It is unclear how long they have been in custody or what offences they have been charged with. NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson on Wednesday evening said no arrests were directly linked to the discovery, but several \\u201Caround the periphery\\u201D of the potential caravan attack had been made. Those people remain in custody, he said. Those arrested were picked up by Strike Force Pearl, which was established to combat the waves of antisemitic attacks across Sydney. But the caravan plot was so serious, Hudson said, it was escalated out of the strike force and handed to the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team. Police and NSW Premier Chris Minns on Wednesday evening defended staying silent on the \\u201Cvery serious threat\\u201D and potential \\u201Cmass casualty event\\u201D for 10 days, after the investigation by the country\\u2019s elite anti-terror team leaked to the media. The revelation comes after waves of antisemitic attacks have rocked Sydney and left the Jewish community shaken. Police were called to Derriwong Road on January 19 after a local discovered and moved an abandoned caravan filled with explosives. The caravan had been parked on the roadside in a hazardous position between December 7 and January 19. The Powergel explosives found inside were believed to have been stolen from a mine site and were powerful enough to create a 40-metre blast wave. The address of a synagogue was found in the caravan, police confirmed, and security agencies were called in as the caravan was seized. \\u201CThere\\u2019s only one way of calling it out and that is terrorism,\\u201D Minns said. \\u201CThis would strike terror into the community, particularly the Jewish community, and it must be met with the full resources of the government. And I want to assure the people of NSW that\\u2019s exactly what\\u2019s happening.\\u201D The Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which combines state and Commonwealth agencies including the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, has taken over the investigation and tasked more than 100 officers to catch the perpetrators. Hudson said police had \\u201Cno information that there are further explosives in our community in relation to conducting antisemitic attacks anywhere\\u201D. \\u201CWe believe that we have contained, appropriately, this current threat,\\u201D he said. While Minns was told on January 20 and national cabinet was held on January 21, the meeting of state and federal leaders did not discuss the investigation because operational matters are not usually put to the group. The office of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not say when he was told. \\u201CThe full resources of the state of NSW and NSW Police have been deployed to confront this very serious threat to our community,\\u201D Minns said. On Wednesday night, Albanese described the actions as an attempt at terror. \\u201CThis was clearly aimed at terrorising the community,\\u201D he said. Albanese \\u201Cunequivocally\\u201D condemned the act and said hate and extremism had \\u201Cno place in Australian society\\u201D. \\u201CThe NSW Police have people in custody and continue with other agencies, including those involved in AFP Special Operation Avalite to investigate threats, violence and hatred towards the Australian Jewish community, and take action and hold people to account for crimes,\\u201D Albanese said. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton labelled the discovery \\u201Cas sickening as it is horrifying\\u201D and called on the federal government to reveal when it was briefed about the incident and \\u201Cwhat steps they took to protect Australia\\u2019s Jewish community\\u201D. \\u201CIt is a grave and sinister escalation in this insidious rise of unchecked antisemitism in our country,\\u201D Dutton said in a social media post on Wednesday night, calling for the federal government to commit additional resources, including extra security at synagogues and Jewish schools, for \\u201Creassurance and deterrence\\u201D. Coalition home affairs spokesman James Paterson also called for answers about why the discovery was kept secret and when authorities briefed the prime minister and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. \\u201CThe apparent discovery of a roadside bomb in NSW targeting the Jewish community is an incredibly disturbing development in an escalating domestic terrorism crisis,\\u201D Paterson said on social media. \\u201CThe prime minister and minister for home affairs must explain when they were first briefed on this matter, what action they took to protect the community and why they thought it was appropriate to keep it a secret for this long.\\u201D Hudson said the threat to the community had not been eliminated, but \\u201Cmitigated\\u201D. \\u201CThe discovery and the detection of the caravan with an amount of explosives was not going to be used in the normal antisemitic attack that we have seen occur in Sydney, such as graffiti and arson attacks. This is certainly an escalation of that with the use of explosives that have the potential to cause a great deal of damage,\\u201D Hudson said. Hudson said police were conducting a clandestine investigation and planned to tell the public \\u201Cvery soon\\u201D. Instead, the investigation leaked in the press. Minns pushed back when asked why the Jewish community and wider public were not made aware of the threat 10 days ago. \\u201CThere\\u2019s a very good reason that police don\\u2019t detail methods and tactics and that\\u2019s so that criminals don\\u2019t understand what police are getting up to in their investigations,\\u201D he said. No particular ideology had been identified as a motivation behind a possible attack, but none were being ruled out, Hudson said. Minns said it was \\u201Cwith great regret\\u201D that he could not guarantee antisemitic violence would not escalate further. \\u201CThere\\u2019s bad actors in our community,\\u201D he said. \\u201CBadly motivated, bad ideologies, bad morals, bad ethics, bad people, they\\u2019re intent on doing harm to others in their community, people they\\u2019ve never met before, purely on the basis of their religion. It\\u2019s hateful, it\\u2019s an ideology that we need to stamp out.\\u201D The discovery comes after a that sent shockwaves through Sydney\\u2019s Jewish community in recent months, including the firebombing of a Maroubra childcare centre on January 21. Video of the centre ablaze showed the words \\u201Cf--- the Jews\\u201D sprayed in black paint on a wall. The building was unoccupied at the time, and there were no injuries. No arrests have been made over the blaze. Four days earlier, the former home of Australian Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin was targeted in a firebombing, with two vehicles set ablaze, while other vehicles were vandalised with antisemitic graffiti in Dover Heights. The home, which Ryvchin sold in 2023, was also splashed with red paint. CCTV showed two people dressed in dark clothing pouring accelerant on the road before setting it alight. No arrests have been made. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim labelled the discovery \\u201Calarming\\u201D. \\u201CWe have also been assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated by the police to get to the bottom of exactly what happened, who was involved and what their motives were. It would be inappropriate to comment further until the facts have been confirmed. Given the recent attacks against the Jewish community the sooner that happens, the better,\\u201D he said. Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. . Watch 1m 38sPolice are accusing Scott Marshall of preparing to vandalise property in Sydney's east last year, with his partner previously charged in relation to the same incident. representing the Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister respectively stonewalled a multi-pronged Coalition attempt to try to uncover more information about who knew what Credit: CON CHRONIS/AAPIMAGEThe Government’s refusal to answer any questions about when the Prime Minister was first briefed about the Dural caravan plot is part of a contradictory “cover-up” Almost a month after it was revealed a explosive-laden caravan had been discovered in Sydney’s outskirts — in what had the potential to cause a “mass casualty” event - questions about when Anthony Albanese was first alerted to the plot have continued to dog the Government dominating two different Senate estimates sessions on Monday Get the NewsletterBy continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mr Albanese has so far refused to reveal when he was briefed by authorities after the discovery of the caravan on January 19 ten days before the story broke on January 29 NSW Premier Chris Minns has publicly stated he was briefed on January 20 the Labor senators took all questions related to the caravan plot on notice That didn’t stop Coalition suggesting the PM had not been briefed before the story went public and the Government was now trying to “cover-up” a significant breakdown in communication and a major embarrassment In an hours-long attempt at finding answer shadow attorney-general Michaelia Cash put to Senator Wong that the PM has been “more than happy” to tell Australians about when he was briefed on other terror and national security incidents in the past year Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong appears before Senate Estimates on Monday Credit: MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGEUsing examples of the Adass Israel Synagogue the discovery of alleged espionage by Russian spies in the Defence Force she asked Senator Wong why Mr Albanese had publicly divulged details about his briefings from law enforcement and security agencies on those matters Senator Wong repeatedly referred to the AFP and their active investigation in her rationale for taking questions on notice even as the Coalition pushed her to explain how it could be compromised by giving “a simple date” of when Mr Albanese was briefed “Our first priority is to ensure those investigations are completed and if there are individuals or entities that need to be apprehended “We’re very cognisant of the advice the AFP has provided.” “The reality is that the only reason the Government will not reveal when Mr Albanese was briefed is because he didn’t know about the attack until much too late and now he’s worried that it will make him look like he’s not on top of serious national security issues,’’ Senator Cash said “The problem for Mr Albanese is that his failure to be across his brief on critical national security issues just confirms that he’s a weak Prime Minister who didn’t even know about a potential mass casualty terrorist attack in Australia “This farcical performance in Estimates is a desperate Government trying to hang on by its fingernails so they can escape scrutiny before the Federal election.” Senator Paterson said “the only reason why the Albanese Government is refusing to answer these questions is because it is embarrassed of the answers” People gather outside the Adass Israel Synagogue after a firebombing in Melbourne Credit: CON CHRONIS/AAPIMAGEThe Senator had asked specifically about a post by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke who shared to X a few hours after the caravan story broke “I’ve just landed to reports of this police operation in Sydney We said authorities would chase these people down and this is what is happening,” Mr Burke wrote on January 29 Senator Paterson asked if this post indicated that that was the first time the minister heard about this was in media reports and not from the department There were good reasons for concern when police discovered the caravan in northern Sydney that has now become a test case in the politics of terror The van held enough explosives to create a 40-metre blast zone as well as a note with the address of a major synagogue Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have all referred to the Dural caravan incident as “terrorism”.Credit: has cascaded through Australian politics in a toxic flow of mutual distrust and blatant opportunism ahead of the federal election about three weeks after news of the caravan was leaked to the media is it possible to assess a few more of the facts about this murky case Australia has too many panic merchants when the country needs to keep its cool The explosives turned out to be old and degraded. As this masthead revealed last weekend the blast material was up to 40 years old and may have come from a NSW theft several decades ago This does not mean the explosives were harmless but it should ease the fear that this type of material has been going missing from mining sites in recent times There was no detonator with the explosives Police and security officials were cautious about whether there was an imminent threat to the community In a contrast with some previous investigations They wanted to run the investigation quietly Everything changed when word of the caravan leaked to The Daily Telegraph and it broke the news online on January 29. This was a free media in action, with a compelling news story and a clear public interest in the facts. This masthead also reported the news that afternoon including real-time coverage when police confirmed the details NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Dave Hudson raised the possibility it was a “set-up” by criminals.Credit: Rhett Wyman But the news coverage also launched a contest for political advantage And the dynamic in Australia today is incredibly damaging: there is a political contest to catastrophise The leader who plays down a threat will lose The leader who is reluctant to go public risks looking weak The side that goes first in calling a threat terrorism will usually win because the other side has to play catch-up and use the same label The way to talk tough is to amplify the threat But the police were cautious about the caravan NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson told the media the case was being handled as a potential terror incident when “taken at its highest” and considering the notes and explosives found Hudson also raised the possibility it was a “set-up” by criminals NSW Premier Chris Minns took the reasonable step of talking publicly to confirm the leak, given that official silence can make the speculation worse. He uttered the key phrases that shaped all the coverage. “This is the discovery of a potential mass casualty event,” he said on January 29 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed this judgment the following day when asked if he agreed with the premier And that is the very definition [of terrorism],” he said The premier and the prime minister had some key facts on their side The caravan was being investigated by a joint counterterrorism team set up with NSW Police Whether it was terrorism was yet to be determined Peter Dutton did not wait to seek political advantage the opposition leader wanted to know when Albanese was told of the caravan Albanese should be up front about this fact The police did not believe there was an imminent threat to the community some of the political rhetoric looks unguarded The political noise probably made the investigation more difficult It is possible the caravan was planted by criminals so they could reveal the explosives to police in exchange for a “letter of assistance” that would help one of their own get a shorter prison sentence nobody should help the criminals by jumping at shadows None of this means the threat from antisemitism is overblown And terror remains terror even if some of it is conducted by criminals for hire who get their orders over encrypted apps and collect their pay in cryptocurrency We still do not know who is behind the attacks there was a race to assume the worst and brand it terrorism There was a contest for political advantage from the start This was intensified by the barracking for Dutton in the News Corp Australia outlets – the daily dynamic that is obvious to everyone Dutton had an easier task in heaping pressure on Albanese about what he knew there has been a total failure of logic in Dutton’s argument for an inquiry into when Albanese was told “The prime minister has the questions to answer here I don’t think there’s any breakdown in the process,” the opposition leader said on February 6 He has already decided the police did everything right with their process – the very process that decided who was briefed Being strong on terror and antisemitism does not mean doomsaying with every discovery The national terrorism threat level is already at a high level – an attack is “probable” – and ASIO director-general Mike Burgess expects it to stay there for the foreseeable future In his annual threat assessment on Wednesday night he also warned of increasing antisemitism: “I am concerned these attacks have not yet plateaued.” Asked about the caravan he would not comment on an active investigation The risk is serious enough without rushing to panic stations The investigation into the caravan continues and all the options are still being considered ranging from a criminal set-up to a terror plot to be careful about some of the dire fears spread just a few weeks ago David Crowe is chief political correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here There were good reasons for concern when police discovered the in northern Sydney that has now become a test case in the politics of terror The explosives turned out to be old and degraded Everything changed when word of the caravan leaked to The Daily Telegraph and it broke the news online on January 29 with a compelling news story and a clear public interest in the facts NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson told the media the case was being handled as a potential terror incident when \\u201Ctaken at its highest\\u201D and considering the notes and explosives found Hudson also raised the possibility it was a \\u201Cset-up\\u201D by criminals NSW Premier Chris Minns took the reasonable step of talking publicly to confirm the leak given that official silence can make the speculation worse He uttered the key phrases that shaped all the coverage \\u201CThis is the discovery of a potential mass casualty event,\\u201D he on January 29 \\u201CThere\\u2019s only one way of calling it out and that is terrorism.\\u201D \\u201CIt\\u2019s clearly designed to harm people but it\\u2019s also designed to create fear in the community And that is the very definition [of terrorism],\\u201D he said It is possible the caravan was planted by criminals so they could reveal the explosives to police in exchange for a \\u201Cletter of assistance\\u201D that would help one of their own get a shorter prison sentence This was intensified by the barracking for Dutton in the News Corp Australia outlets \\u2013 the daily dynamic that is obvious to everyone there has been a total failure of logic in Dutton\\u2019s argument for an inquiry into when Albanese was told \\u201CThe prime minister has the questions to answer here I don\\u2019t think there\\u2019s any breakdown in the process,\\u201D the opposition leader said on February 6 He has already decided the police did everything right with their process \\u2013 the very process that decided who was briefed The national terrorism threat level is already at a high level \\u2013 an attack is \\u201Cprobable\\u201D \\u2013 and ASIO director-general Mike Burgess expects it to stay there for the foreseeable future he also warned of increasing antisemitism: \\u201CI am concerned these attacks have not yet plateaued.\\u201D Asked about the caravan The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge