Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed earlier this week that military resources, including a planning expert and aerial reconnaissance, would support the police in their pursuit.

Former Major General Mick Ryan told Today such situations happened “reasonably frequently”.

“Typically, the Australian Defence Force assists during disaster relief in events such as floods and fires, but it’s less common to engage under defence aid to civil power arrangements for police operations,” he stated.

“But it’s certainly not unprecedented. And the Australian Constitution and federal law allows for such support to take place.”

He said the ADF’s assistance was in support and planning, rather than taking the lead.

“I mean, we have a lot of people experienced in operating this kind of close, almost jungle country,” he said.

The Minister also noted the potential provision of aerial reconnaissance, emphasizing that this involvement is primarily supportive and does not include deploying troops on the ground.

But he warned that military assets wouldn’t necessarily be decisive.

“The area seems quite challenging. Our experience from the war in Ukraine has set expectations that drones can provide comprehensive surveillance,” he commented.

“Well, in this kind of country, that’s not quite the case. It’s a pretty tough operation ahead for the police, I think.”

Freeman’s wife was at property

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Dezi Freeman’s wife, Amalia, who previously urged her husband to surrender, was present at the location where officers Neal Thompson and Vadim De Waart were fatally shot, and a third officer was injured while executing a search warrant related to past sex offences on August 26.

Crime Command Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said yesterday Amalia Freeman could face charges of obstructing police “in due course”.

“She has been interviewed by Victoria Police for obstructing police at the time of the incident the crime that occurred, and a brief of evidence will be compiled, and she may be charged in due course,” Kelly said.

Amalia Freeman in a statement through her lawyer spoke of her “deep sorrow” at the deaths of the two police officers and said she did not hold anti-authority views.