Paul Edbrooke: 'Shocked' after 'RAT' bullet with firefighter ID found on car

Victoria emergency services minister Paul Edbrooke identified a bullet left on his vehicle as a targeted threat to his family.

The Labor politician discovered the object on the bonnet of his car on Saturday, October 24, after returning from a community meeting. The Herald Sun broke the story on Monday, October 26. The metal projectile was etched with the word "RAT" and Edbrooke's former firefighter identification number.

Edbrooke told ABC Radio Melbourne that he felt "shocked" and "horrified" by the finding. He noted that the ID number is specific to a firefighter and is not common knowledge among the general public. This specificity led him to conclude the message was a direct death threat.

The incident occurred shortly after a reported attack on federal MP Helen Haines in Wangaratta. Edbrooke stated there is no evidence linking the two events. However, the timing has intensified his concern for his children, who also drive the same vehicle.

"You start thinking, 'Am I being followed? Who knows I'm here? Am I being surveilled?'", Edbrooke said. He added that the bullet served as an unmistakable signal of danger.

The minister pointed to the United Firefighters Union as the source of recent aggressive online threats. The union is currently in a dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria over an enterprise bargaining agreement. The parties have failed to reach a deal since 2021.

The union is preparing for next month's state election with plans for an expensive advertising campaign. It has also authorized materials urging voters to rank the Labor party last. A members' meeting is scheduled to decide whether the union should leave the Labor party entirely. Edbrooke said he would not be intimidated and warned that such actions could force politicians to rely more heavily on security details.