Victorian Minister Describes Bullet Marked with Firefighter ID as Direct Threat

Victoria’s emergency services minister, Paul Edbrooke, called a bullet found on his car a direct threat to his life.

The object, which bore the word "RAT" and his former firefighter identification number, was left on the vehicle’s bonnet on Saturday. The Herald Sun first reported the find on Monday. Edbrooke discovered the item after returning to his car following a community meeting.

The Labor minister told ABC Radio Melbourne that he felt shocked and horrified by the incident. He noted that the event occurred one week after federal MP Helen Haines was allegedly attacked, though he stated there is no suggestion the two cases are connected. Edbrooke emphasized his love for face-to-face interactions with constituents.

He explained that the specific nature of the ID number made the threat personal. The number is unique to his time as a firefighter and is not public knowledge. Edbrooke said only members of the United Firefighters Union have been sending him aggressive threats on social media.

The union is currently involved in a dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria, an agency Edbrooke oversees. The parties have failed to resolve an enterprise bargaining agreement since 2021. The union is also campaigning against the state government ahead of next month’s election.

Union plans include an expensive advertising campaign and staffing polling booths with firefighters. It has also authorized material urging voters to rank the Labor party last. A members' meeting is scheduled to discuss disaffiliating from the Victorian Labor party.

Edbrooke said he would not be intimidated by the incident. He worried about the safety of his children, who also drive the car, and questioned whether he was being followed or surveilled. He warned that such actions could lead to MPs requiring more security and becoming less available to the public.