Edbrooke finds bullet with firefighter ID and 'RAT' inscription on car

Victorian emergency services minister Paul Edbrooke identified a bullet found on his car on Saturday as a direct threat, noting the object was etched with the word "RAT" and his former firefighter identification number. The Herald Sun reported the discovery on Monday, after Edbrooke returned to his vehicle following a community event.

In an interview with ABC Radio Melbourne, the Labor politician described his reaction as "shocked" and "horrified." He linked the incident to the recent alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta, though he stated there is no suggestion the two events are connected. Edbrooke said the specific ID number would not be known to the general public, indicating the sender had detailed knowledge of his background.

The minister said the discovery prompted questions about his security and surveillance. "You start thinking, 'Am I being followed? Who knows I'm here? Am I being surveilled?'" Edbrooke said. He noted that his children also drive the car, adding to his concern. He characterized the message as a death threat, stating, "that's a death threat, a bullet with my firefighter ID number on it and the word 'rat'."

Edbrooke pointed to the United Firefighters Union as the source of recent aggressive threats and social media abuse. The union is currently in a dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria, an agency under Edbrooke's oversight, regarding an enterprise bargaining agreement that has been unresolved since 2021. The union is pursuing action in the Fair Work Commission over the stalemate.

The union is also preparing for the state election next month. It has authorized material urging voters to rank the Labor party last and plans to staff polling booths with firefighters. The group is also holding a members' meeting to consider disaffiliating from the Victorian Labor party. Edbrooke said he would not be intimidated by the incident.

"I'm not going to be intimidated by this," Edbrooke said. He added that he worries about the future of public engagement in politics. "I'm afraid that with actions like this, we start losing that," he said, warning that such incidents could force MPs to rely on more security and become less available to constituents.

The minister said he values face-to-face interaction with voters. "We enjoy a great democracy in Australia and Victoria," he said. "I love getting out in my community." He described the ability to disagree politically while maintaining a conversation as a core part of Australian life.