The Daily Aus Headlines: Dezi Freeman likely dead, police say
Feb 2, 2026
Police conduct a cadaver search as investigators say the accused shooter is likely deceased. A failed leadership challenge leaves the Nationals with the same leader amid coalition tensions. New figures reveal huge political donations and election spending, including a single donor's massive outlay. Kevin Parker scores another Grammy win for his Tame Impala project.
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Manhunt Points To Likely Death
- Victoria Police now believe Desi Freeman is likely deceased after a five-month manhunt following the shooting of two officers.
- A new five-day search uses cadaver dogs and specialist officers to prioritise finding his remains in the Paupunker area.
Nationals Leadership Challenge Fails
- David Littleproud survived a leadership challenge after a failed spill motion by Colin Boyce within the Nationals.
- The move follows infighting over a split vote on Labor's hate speech laws and aims to reunite the coalition parties.
Huge Political Spending Revealed
- New AEC figures show political spending into the hundreds of millions, with Clive Palmer donating $53 million to his own party.
- Major parties also spent heavily: Labor ~$71 million and the Liberals almost $53 million in 2024-25.