Dezi Freeman search renewed; Nationals leadership challenge
Table of Contents
- MOUNT BUFFALO, VICTORIA — Police have launched a fresh search in the Victorian High Country after new acoustic evidence prompted a large-scale operation, as the Nationals face a party-room test of leadership in Canberra.
- Nationals leadership drama in Canberra
- Other national headlines
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
- Sources and notes
MOUNT BUFFALO, VICTORIA — Police have launched a fresh search in the Victorian High Country after new acoustic evidence prompted a large-scale operation, as the Nationals face a party-room test of leadership in Canberra.
The renewed Dezi Freeman search began early this week when more than 100 police and volunteers were briefed and sent into Mount Buffalo National Park. The operation follows a November tip-off and acoustic firearm testing that picked up a single gunshot heard about two hours after Desmond Freeman fled the scene last August.
Authorities are treating the area near Freeman’s property as the most promising location to find him or evidence about his fate. Specialist teams, including cadaver dogs from New South Wales and terrain specialists, have been assigned to comb roughly 130 hectares adjacent to ground searched last month.
What police are investigating
Victoria Police say they are balancing three working scenarios while searching the national park: Freeman may have died in the area through self-harm or misadventure; he may have escaped and be harboured by others; or he may have left the region and remain on the run. More than 2,000 tips have been received so far and the $1 million reward remains unclaimed.
“We’re currently exploring three scenarios at the moment,”
It has now been roughly 160 days since Freeman went missing. Police will continue the current search through Friday, concentrating resources where acoustic analysis suggests the gunshot originated.
Nationals leadership drama in Canberra
Back in Canberra, the Nationals faced a leadership challenge that tested support for David Littleproud. The spill motion, brought by fellow MP Colin Boyce, needed a seconder inside the party room to proceed and — according to insiders — Littleproud was broadly tipped to retain the leadership.
The challenge unfolds amid shifting political currents: One Nation leader Pauline Hanson climbed in the polls, with a reported primary vote uptick and increasing public approval that has unsettled traditional Coalition dynamics.
- Colin Boyce moved to trigger a spill but needed internal support to proceed.
- David Littleproud was expected to hold the numbers, though outcomes remained uncertain at the time of the briefing.
- The developments come as Barnaby Joyce hinted at surprise moves and potential defections to One Nation.
Other national headlines
Carlos Alcaraz makes Australian Open history
Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, became the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam with his Australian Open victory. He celebrated quietly in Melbourne after a late night at the park signing autographs, later joking about possibly adding a kangaroo tattoo to his collection of Grand Slam mementoes.
Armed robbery and manhunt in Sydney
Sydney police are searching for two men involved in a violent early-morning hotel robbery at Darling Square Novotel. The suspects forced staff into a back office, threatened them with a screwdriver and stole a small safe before fleeing in a beige Volvo station wagon. Authorities urged the public not to approach the vehicle or suspects.
Grammys and Australians on the red carpet
The 2026 Grammy Awards kicked off in Los Angeles, where Tame Impala won Best Dance/Electronic Recording. Australian artists and acts — including nominees who travelled from Melbourne and beyond — were prominent on the carpet.
School return and education costs
More than a million students returned to school across New South Wales, with kindergarten students and their families marking emotional first days. Separately, new research shows Australian high schools are among the most expensive globally, with average household costs approaching $5,000 a year and private school fees in some cases reaching $55,000 annually.
Key takeaways
- The Dezi Freeman search is focused on Mount Buffalo National Park after acoustic tests and a public tip-off; police consider his death a strong possibility but continue to explore all scenarios.
- The Nationals faced an internal challenge to David Littleproud’s leadership amid rising support for Pauline Hanson and murmurs of party movement.
- Australia featured strongly on international stages this week — from Alcaraz’s tennis triumph to Grammy wins for local artists.
- Public safety incidents and education-cost data underline domestic pressures affecting communities nationwide.
FAQs
Where is the current search for Dezi Freeman focused?
Police have concentrated the renewed search in Mount Buffalo National Park, targeting an approximately 130-hectare area adjacent to ground searched last month after acoustic testing suggested a gunshot was fired in that vicinity.
Why has the search been restarted now?
A November tip-off prompted specialists to conduct acoustic firearm testing, which identified a likely origin for a single gunshot heard soon after Freeman fled in August. That analysis led police to the current search zone.
What are police saying about Freeman’s status?
Victoria Police are exploring three scenarios: Freeman may be deceased in the Mount Buffalo area (through self-harm or misadventure), he may have escaped and be harboured by others, or he may have left the area and remain at large.
How can the public assist?
Police continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted to Victoria Police; the operation is ongoing and any credible detail could be important for investigators.
Sources and notes
The details in this article were compiled from the latest Victoria Police briefings and national reporting on political developments, sporting events, and local incidents. For official updates on the search or to provide information, contact Victoria Police via their public reporting channels.
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here New search for Dezi Freeman and National leadership battle underway | 7NEWS
