Arabic version: الشرطة تبحث خلافاً عائلياً في تحقيق الهجوم على هاينز

According to ABC News, Victoria Police are examining a reported rift between Brendan Nugent and his family as part of their investigation into Monday’s attack on independent federal MP for Indi Helen Haines. Ms Haines, 65, remains in a critical condition at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, where staff were expected to provide another update on Friday afternoon.

Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush told ABC Mildura that the possibility the alleged attack was a “proxy” for attacking Mr Nugent’s family was one line of inquiry. “It sounds like a cliche, but every line of inquiry is open … Every action is under review,” Commissioner Bush said.

Commissioner Bush said Mr Nugent’s father, Rod Nugent, and Rod Nugent’s partner, Christine Cunningham, had been “very, very helpful” and were cooperating with investigators. The couple said earlier this week that they had been friends with Ms Haines for two decades, described Monday’s events as “devastating and unfathomable”, and said they would assist police in any way they could.

Police are also examining Mr Nugent’s interactions with neighbours and will review the actions of local officers who received neighbour complaints. Commissioner Bush praised police in Wangaratta and said the force was supporting officers in the region following the week’s events.

The attack has focused attention on the safety of politicians and other officials before Victoria’s state election on November 28. Commissioner Bush said police would take a “proactive” approach, extending the State Commanding Coordination Centre’s role so politicians and election workers could report threats through a single point. He said trained analysts would work around the clock using social media scrapings and intelligence briefings, while officers had been advised to be highly visible in communities.