Victoria Minister Calls Bullet on Car a Direct Death Threat

Victorian emergency services minister Paul Edbrooke declared a bullet left on his car a direct death threat on Monday. The projectile was etched with the word 'RAT' and his specific firefighter identification number. Edbrooke said he now fears for his family's safety, noting that his children frequently drive the same vehicle.

The incident occurred on Saturday after the Labor minister finished speaking with local community members. The Herald Sun first reported the discovery. Edbrooke returned to his vehicle and found the bullet resting on the bonnet. He described the moment as shocking and horrifying, especially following the alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines the previous week. Officials said there is no evidence linking the two events.

Edbrooke told ABC Radio Melbourne that the specific firefighter ID number was key to his assessment. He stated that the number is not public knowledge and is unique to his profession. This specificity led him to believe the threat was targeted rather than generic. He said, 'that's a death threat, a bullet with my firefighter ID number on it and the word rat.'

The minister pointed to the United Firefighters Union as the source of recent aggressive threats and social media abuse directed at him. The union is currently in a dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria, an agency overseen by Edbrooke. The two parties have failed to agree on an enterprise bargaining agreement since 2021. The union is pursuing action in the Fair Work Commission to resolve the impasse.

Political tensions have risen as the union campaigns against the state Labor government ahead of next month's election. The group has vowed to run a costly advertising campaign and staff polling booths with firefighters. It has also authorized material urging voters to rank the Labor party last. Additionally, the union is planning a meeting to decide whether to disaffiliate from the Victorian Labor party entirely.

Edbrooke said he will not let the incident deter him from public engagement. He stated, 'I'm not going to be intimidated by this,' while acknowledging concerns about the safety of other MPs. He warned that such actions could force politicians to rely on more security, reducing their availability to the public. He expressed hope that Australians could continue to disagree politically while maintaining face-to-face conversations.

The next step in the dispute involves the Fair Work Commission hearing the union's case against Fire Rescue Victoria. Edbrooke remains in his role overseeing the agency while the election approaches in November. He said he thinks of his family and other members of parliament when considering the implications of the threat.