Victoria: Firefighter ID Found on 'RAT' Bullet

Victorian emergency services minister Paul Edbrooke described a bullet found on his vehicle on Saturday as a direct death threat. The projectile bore the word "RAT" and his former firefighter identification number. He stated that the specificity of the ID, which is not generally public knowledge, indicated the sender knew his professional background.

The Herald Sun broke the story on Monday. Edbrooke discovered the bullet on the bonnet of his car after returning from a community meeting. He told ABC Radio Melbourne that the object left him shocked and horrified, particularly following the recent alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines. He noted that there is currently no evidence linking the two incidents.

Edbrooke cited the fact that his children drive the same vehicle as a source of concern. He questioned whether he was being followed or surveilled. "You start thinking, 'Am I being followed? Who knows I'm here? Am I being surveilled?'" he said.

The dispute centers on the United Firefighters Union, which Edbrooke identified as the primary source of aggressive online threats. The union is currently contesting an enterprise bargaining agreement with Fire Rescue Victoria in the Fair Work Commission. Negotiations on the agreement have stalled since 2021.

Ahead of the state election scheduled for next month, the union has launched a campaign against the Labor government. It has authorized materials urging voters to rank the party last. The organization is also planning a members' meeting to decide whether to disaffiliate from the Victorian Labor party entirely.

Edbrooke said he would not allow the incident to change his approach to politics. "I'm not going to be intimidated by this," he said. He warned that such actions could lead to increased security for members of parliament, reducing their availability to the public.