Victorian minister identifies bullet on car as targeted death threat

State emergency services minister Paul Edbrooke reported on Sunday that he fears for his family's safety after finding a bullet on the bonnet of his car. The projectile was etched with the word 'RAT' and his former firefighter identification number. He discovered the item on Saturday after returning to his vehicle following a community engagement session in Victoria.

The Herald Sun broke the news on Monday. Edbrooke, a member of the Labor party, described himself as shocked and horrified by the find. He noted the timing coincided with an alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines the previous week, though he stated there is no evidence linking the two events.

In an interview with ABC Radio Melbourne, Edbrooke emphasized the specificity of the ID number. He said the code is unique to firefighters and is not known to the general public. He identified members of the United Firefighters Union as the only source of aggressive online threats and abuse he has received recently.

The Union is currently in a dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria, an agency under Edbrooke's oversight. The parties have failed to finalize an enterprise bargaining agreement since 2021. The Union is pursuing the matter in the Fair Work Commission. It is also preparing a costly advertising campaign and plans to staff polling booths with firefighters for next month's state election.

The Union has authorized materials urging voters to rank the Labor party last. It is also planning a members' meeting to decide whether to disaffiliate from the Victorian Labor party entirely. Edbrooke said the bullet sent an unmistakable message. He described it as a death threat because of the personal details engraved on it.

Edbrooke said the incident raised concerns about surveillance and whether he was being followed. He noted that his children also drive the vehicle. He said he would not be intimidated by the action. He referenced the attack in Wangaratta and the need for politicians to remain accessible to the public.

He warned that such actions could lead to increased security for members of parliament, making them less available for face to face conversations. He said Australians expect to be able to disagree politically while still maintaining a dialogue with their representatives.