Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said a military planning specialist, as well as aerial surveillance assets, had joined forces with police.

“The Australian Defence Force will work with the Victorian police, as they request our assistance in terms of the particular assets and capabilities that we have, to bring Dezi Freeman to justice,” he told ABC.

Police yesterday swooped on a number of properties in the regional town of Wangaratta, about 75km from Porepunkah.

An information caravan remains in place next to the church on Ireland Street, Wangaratta, for people to offer tips and intelligence.

It is staffed by police throughout the day.

Heavily-armed officers also returned to Freeman’s property yesterday, with assets including armoured bearcat vehicles.

Superintendent Brett Kahan has called for Freeman to contact triple zero to make a “surrender plan” – along with anybody who has been harbouring or assisting him.

Retired police officer Ian Veitch told 9News police believed the help Freeman was receiving might not be a hiding place, but assistance to help him keep moving around.