Bullet marked RAT found on minister's car

Paul Edbrooke, Victoria's emergency services minister, found a bullet on the bonnet of his car on Saturday.

The weapon was etched with the word RAT and his former firefighter identification number. The Herald Sun first reported the incident on Monday. Edbrooke told ABC Radio Melbourne that he was shocked and horrified by the discovery. He noted the timing came shortly after the alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines the previous week, though no link between the two events was suggested.

The minister stated that the ID number was specific to firefighters and would not be known to the general public. He said he was receiving aggressive threats and abuse on social media only from members of the United Firefighters Union. The union is currently taking action against Fire Rescue Victoria in the Fair Work Commission over an enterprise bargaining agreement. The parties have been unable to resolve the contract since 2021.

The union is also campaigning against the state Labor government. It has vowed to run an expensive advertising campaign and staff polling booths with firefighters. The union authorized material urging voters to place the party last in next month's election. It is also planning a members meeting to discuss disaffiliating from the Victorian Labor party entirely.

Edbrooke said his children drive the vehicle, which led him to wonder if he was being followed or surveilled. He described the bullet as a death threat because it was not subtle. He said he is not going to be intimidated by the act. He expressed concern that such actions might force politicians to increase security and become less available to the public.

He emphasized that he loves getting out in his community and speaking to people face to face. He said the discovery made him think about his family's safety. He noted that democracy in Australia allows for disagreement and conversation, but he feared this incident could change that dynamic.