Islamic state and Islamist extremist groups are calling for the sort of vehicular attacks seen in Melbourne.

But when these acts happen, why are police afraid to see them for what they are?

When the driver of the vehicle cited Muslim grievances after his arrest, authorities were reluctant to say the attack was related to terrorism.

Former NSW Terrorism Investigations Squad Office Peter Moroney joins Chris Kenny to dissect why the police were hesitant to label the act as terrorism.

“I know we’re always very reluctant to label something as such because that in itself pushes out a vast amount of fear then into the community.

“If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, then unfortunately, it is a duck.”

Listen to the full interview below