Sydney, Australia – Australian Security Intelligence Organisation director-general Mike Burgess faced questions on Tuesday morning regarding an incident involving a 16-year-old boy in Sydney being treated as an alleged terrorist attack. The director-general explained that the determination of a terrorist attack requires evidence of religious or ideological motivation, which was present in this case but not in a previous stabbing rampage in Bondi Junction.
The director-general clarified that the attack in Bondi Junction did not meet the criteria for a terrorist attack, as it lacked the intent to coerce or influence the public or government for political, religious, or ideological reasons. National security expert Katja Theodorakis pointed out that while the Bondi Junction attack was not classified as a terrorist attack, it had a similar impact in instilling fear among the public.
Deakin University’s Professor Greg Barton highlighted that the Bondi Junction attacker did not fit the profile of a terrorist, as he did not aim to bring about change through violence. He emphasized the importance of understanding and preventing male violence, addressing toxic masculinity to prevent future incidents.
Following the Bondi Junction attacks, the Joint Counter Terrorism Team in Australia is investigating all aspects of the incident, including the offender’s connections and potential ongoing threats to the community. The New South Wales government has initiated a coronial inquiry into the attacks and allocated funds for further investigations.
Professor Barton argued against expanding the definition of terrorism, cautioning that it could lead to inaccurate conclusions and divert resources from more significant threats, such as domestic violence. He stressed the importance of prioritizing prevention efforts rather than reactive measures.
In some countries, attacks on predominantly women have been classified as acts of terrorism, as seen in a Canadian case where a deadly attack in a massage parlor was linked to the incel movement. Australia’s ASIO announced changes to threat assessments, focusing on violent extremism regardless of specific ideologies.
Despite the absence of evidence linking the Bondi Junction attacker to incel culture, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb noted the attacker’s focus on targeting women. The ongoing investigations seek to understand the motive behind the attack and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Professor Barton cautioned against attributing attacks solely to mental health issues, stressing that most individuals with mental health problems are not violent. He emphasized the need to address mental health concerns effectively and avoid stigmatizing individuals based on their conditions.
As discussions continue surrounding the classification of attacks and the motives behind them, experts underscore the importance of understanding the complexities of violence and implementing comprehensive strategies to prevent future tragedies.