Dutton Accused of Amplifying Fabricated Terrorism Plot, Playing into Hands of Organized Crime

Dutton Accused of Playing into Hands of Organized Crime

Peter Dutton, Australia's opposition leader, has been accused by Labor of amplifying a fabricated terrorism plot involving an explosives-laden caravan. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) revealed the caravan was not a genuine threat but a "criminal con job."

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke slammed Dutton for making "reckless" statements, claiming the plot would have been "the most catastrophic terrorist attack in our country's history." Burke believes Dutton's statements played into the hands of organized crime figures seeking to profit from dividing the community.

The AFP confirmed that investigators quickly concluded the caravan was a fabricated plot. Deputy Commissioner National Security Krissy Barrett stated, "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."

Burke further accused Dutton of deliberately avoiding briefings on the plot to continue making "outrageous" claims and stoke fear. He believes Dutton was following a script orchestrated by organized crime.

Dutton denied these accusations, claiming he and his office were briefed on the plot by the AFP. A senior Coalition source also rejected Burke's suggestion, stating they were never offered a briefing on the caravan plot.

The news of the plot emerged in January, causing fear among Jewish communities already facing a rise in antisemitic attacks. Dutton led criticism over the delay in alerting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, suggesting NSW authorities feared leaks from the Prime Minister's office.

Burke countered that Dutton had not sought a briefing on the blast despite citing "police advice" when claiming it would have been the most catastrophic terrorist attack in Australian history. He believes Dutton was conned by the criminals behind the plot.

Senator Paterson, a member of the Coalition, reiterated that national security ministers and the Prime Minister should have been promptly briefed, as was the NSW premier. He also questioned the Prime Minister's description of the incident as "the very definition" of terrorism.

Deputy Commissioner Barrett confirmed that the caravan plot never posed a genuine threat, as there was no detonator. Burke believes Dutton owes the Australian people a significant apology for escalating the dangers posed by the plot.

Separately, NSW Police arrested 14 individuals in connection with antisemitic attacks in Sydney. NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip condemned the attacks and the fear they instilled in the Jewish community.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus condemned the "despicable event" designed to spread fear and division within the Jewish community. He emphasized the importance of letting law enforcement agencies do their jobs without political interference.