Victorian minister calls 'RAT' bullet on car a death threat

Victoria’s emergency services minister found a bullet etched with the word "RAT" and his former firefighter identification number on his car on Saturday. Paul Edbrooke stated that the object constitutes a clear death threat and has raised concerns about his family’s safety. The Herald Sun first reported the incident on Monday. Edbrooke was speaking with community members when he returned to his vehicle and spotted the bullet resting on the bonnet.

In an interview with ABC Radio Melbourne, the Labor minister described himself as shocked and horrified. He cited the recent alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines as a factor in his reaction, though he noted there is no suggestion the two incidents are connected. Edbrooke emphasized that he enjoys Australia’s democracy and prefers face-to-face interactions with the public.

The minister said the discovery prompted immediate questions about surveillance. He wondered if he was being followed or if someone knew his specific location. He pointed out that his children drive the same car, which added to the unsettling nature of the find. Edbrooke argued that the message was unmistakable because it combined a bullet with his specific firefighter ID number and the word "rat."

Edbrooke explained that his ID number was specific to his role as a firefighter and was not known to the wider public. He identified members of the United Firefighters Union as the only group sending him aggressive threats and abuse on social media. The union is currently pursuing action in the Fair Work Commission against Fire Rescue Victoria, an agency overseen by Edbrooke. The parties have failed to resolve the firefighters' enterprise bargaining agreement since 2021.

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

Edbrooke said he would not be intimidated by the incident. He said he thinks of his family and of other MPs, referencing the events in Wangaratta last week. He warned that such actions could lead to MPs requiring more security and becoming less available to the public. He noted that Australians can disagree politically while still engaging in conversation at polling booths.

The minister stated that he fears the trend of such actions is causing a loss of that informal democratic exchange. He concluded by saying he is not going to be cowed by the threat.