pile of bouquets grew outside Haines' electorate office, her husband urged people to consider donating instead.

 She loves flowers, but it's a bit difficult to look after many bunches of flowers,  Phil Haines said.  We will ask people if they would like to support Helen financially to make a donation to Save the Children Fund. 

Security briefings

Though police are still to determine if the incident was politically motivated, the alleged attack shocked the country and has shone a spotlight on the safety of its political leaders.

Members of parliament received in-depth security briefings in Canberra on Wednesday as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner pointed to rising reports of harassment and threats against federal parliamentarians.

Authorities were seeing  increasing political polarization and anti-government sentiment, conspiracy-driven and grievance-based behaviors,  Commissioner Krissy Barrett told a news conference.

 Lone actors motivated by a convergence of personal grievance, mental health vulnerabilities, and ideological concerns,  were contributing to the rising trend, she added.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said police had no intelligence on Haines' alleged attacker that pointed to an imminent risk.

In a very short court hearing Wednesday morning, Nugent's lawyer said Nugent had a rare neurological condition - and was currently unmedicated.

No application for bail was made, and the next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 4, 2027.