Police probing family rift, Brendan Nugent's interactions with neighbours in Helen Haines attack investigation
Victoria Police are investigating a family rift as a potential motive in the attack on federal MP Helen Haines by Brendan Nugent. Authorities are also reviewing Nugent's interactions with neighbors and the police response to prior complaints.
Why it matters
The investigation into the attack on a high-profile political figure raises questions about public safety and the effectiveness of police intervention in domestic or neighbor disputes.
A reported rift between Brendan Nugent and his family is one line of inquiry for Victoria Police as they investigate the attack on federal MP Helen Haines.
Asked by ABC Mildura Friday morning if one line of inquiry was that Nugent's alleged attack against Haines was a "proxy" for attacking his family, Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush said "yes it is".
"It sounds like a cliche, but every line of inquiry is open ... Every action is under review," he said.
Commissioner Bush said the 43-year-old's father Rod Nugent, and the father's partner Christine Cunningham, had been "very, very helpful" to the police investigation.
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