Man accused of plotting WA terror attack believed assault he was planning would be worse than Bondi beach shootings, court hears

Lead

A 20-year-old man charged with terrorism offences in Western Australia allegedly believed his planned assault would be worse than the Bondi beach mass shootings, a Perth court has heard during a bail hearing.

Jayson Joseph Michaels appeared via video link from Casuarina Prison, where he is being held in a special handling unit, as prosecutors detailed an alleged plot targeting Western Australia police headquarters, WA Parliament House, and mosques.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from ABC Australia and The Guardian — World both covered the bail hearing, with consistent accounts of the prosecution's case. ABC Australia focused on the 'day of justice' framing and the defence response, while The Guardian provided additional detail on the diary contents and the alleged weapons found. Both outlets reported that bail was refused, but The Guardian noted the magistrate's rejection of the defence's 'weak case' argument, a point also mentioned by ABC.

Key Claims

• Michaels is charged with doing an act in preparation for a terrorist act and other offences, according to both ABC Australia and The Guardian.
• Prosecutors allege Michaels planned a 'day of justice' involving attacks on public buildings and places of worship, as reported by both outlets.
• The court heard that Michaels detailed his plan in a diary, including research on entry points and door locks at target locations, per The Guardian.
• Michaels allegedly compared his planned attack to the Bondi beach mass shootings, writing in his diary: "What I want to do to both of these groups pales in comparison to today," as quoted by both sources.
• The Guardian reported that police seized two guns, 900 rounds of ammunition, and various knives from Michaels's bedroom, a detail not mentioned in ABC's coverage.
• Defence lawyer Christian Porter argued the case was 'weak', suggesting the diary entries were a 'form of escapism' and that his client may require an autism spectrum disorder assessment, according to ABC Australia.
• Magistrate Belinda Coleman refused bail, stating it was not an 'inherently weak case', as reported by both outlets.

Perspectives

Prosecution perspective: Commonwealth prosecutor Kirsten Nelson argued that Michaels was motivated by right-wing ideology and that his diary was a clear expression of intent to engage in a terrorist act. She detailed alleged preparations, including researching locks on a Perth mosque, planning to buy a 3D printer to make a gun, and considering an escape vehicle disguised as an ambulance.

Defence perspective: Christian Porter, a former attorney-general, described the case as 'weak' and the diary entries as 'pie-in-the-sky' and a 'form of escapism and make-believe' from an isolated youth. He suggested Michaels may need an autism spectrum disorder assessment, implying his actions may not reflect genuine intent.

Judicial perspective: Magistrate Belinda Coleman refused bail, indicating that the case was not inherently weak, and ordered that Michaels remain in custody. The decision suggests the court found sufficient grounds to consider the allegations serious and the risk of release significant.

Context

The case comes amid heightened scrutiny of right-wing extremism in Australia. The Bondi beach attack, referenced in the alleged diary, occurred in December and resulted in multiple casualties, though the exact number varies in reports. The court proceedings are ongoing, and Michaels has not yet entered a plea. His next court appearance has not been publicly scheduled.