Firefighter ID on Minister's Car Bullet
Victorian Labor minister Paul Edbrooke describes a bullet etched with 'RAT' and his old service number as a direct threat to his family.
By Pedro Tanaka ·
Victorian emergency services minister Paul Edbrooke stated on Sunday that a bullet left on his vehicle is a death threat. The projectile was etched with the word 'RAT' and Edbrooke's former firefighter identification number. He told ABC Radio Melbourne that the specific ID number is not known to the general public.
The Herald Sun first reported the discovery on Monday. Edbrooke found the bullet on the bonnet of his car on Saturday after returning from meeting with community members. He described his reaction as 'shocked' and 'horrified.' He noted that his children also drive the same vehicle, which raised concerns about whether he was being followed or surveilled.
Edbrooke called the message unmistakable. 'That's a death threat, a bullet with my firefighter ID number on it and the word rat,' he said. He linked the incident to ongoing tensions with the United Firefighters Union, the group he identified as the source of recent 'aggressive threats' and social media abuse. There is no suggestion that this event is connected to the alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines last week.
The union is currently pursuing action in the Fair Work Commission against Fire Rescue Victoria. Edbrooke oversees that agency. The parties have been unable to resolve the enterprise bargaining agreement since 2021. The union has also launched a campaign against the state Labor government. It has authorized material urging voters to rank the party last in the election scheduled for next month.
The union is planning a members' meeting to decide whether to disaffiliate from the Victorian Labor party. It has also vowed to run an expensive advertising campaign and staff polling booths with firefighters. Edbrooke said he would not be intimidated by the incident. 'I'm not going to be intimidated by this,' he said.
He said he thinks of his family and other members of parliament when considering the threat. Edbrooke warned that actions like this could lead to MPs needing more security. He said he fears politicians may become less available to the public as a result.
The state election is scheduled to take place in November. The union's campaign includes plans to engage directly with voters at polling places. Edbrooke said he values the ability for Australians to disagree politically while still talking face to face. He said he is afraid that such threats will reduce that availability.
Source: The Guardian
