‘The threat is real’: Minns defends response to caravan discovery

But he rejected any suggestion the threat had been overstated by authorities when it was made public on January 29. “No,” he said. “I’m very clear about this. The answer is no.

Loading

“I’m not going to speak about the investigation and the motives or the individuals involved, but we have had a spate of antisemitic attacks in NSW over the summer period, some of which included the burning-down of a child care centre, presumably because the individuals believed it was the synagogue.

“So, no. The threat is real, and I’ll let the police get on with their inquiries.”

Jewish leaders declined to comment publicly, but some told this masthead on the condition of anonymity, so they could speak freely, that they remained highly concerned; there had been no resolution to many questions about the caravan, that police were still actively investigating, and that many other hate-fuelled crimes were unsolved.

No charges have been laid in relation to the caravan or the explosives. Three people named on a search warrant for the caravan were already in custody for other matters.

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.