Victoria emergency minister finds 'RAT' bullet on car

The safety of one state minister's family is now a financial concern in Victoria, where a labor dispute with firefighters has escalated to physical intimidation. Paul Edbrooke, the emergency services minister, found a bullet etched with the word "RAT" and his former firefighter identification number on the hood of his vehicle on Saturday.

The Herald Sun first reported the discovery on Monday. Edbrooke had been meeting with local residents when he returned to his car. He told ABC Radio Melbourne that he was shocked and horrified by the find. He noted that the incident occurred the week after federal MP Helen Haines was attacked, though officials say the two events are not linked.

Edbrooke stated that the message was a death threat. He explained that the ID number is specific to his time as a firefighter and is not common knowledge. He said he now wonders if he is being followed or surveilled. His concern is heightened because his children drive the same vehicle.

The tension stems from an enterprise bargaining agreement between the United Firefighters Union and Fire Rescue Victoria, an agency under Edbrooke's control. The parties have failed to reach a deal since 2021. The union is currently taking the dispute to the Fair Work Commission. Edbrooke identified union members as the primary source of aggressive threats and abuse he receives on social media.

The union is preparing for the state election next month. It plans to run an expensive advertising campaign and staff polling booths with firefighters. The union has also authorized material urging voters to rank the state Labor party last. It is planning a members' meeting to decide whether to leave the Victorian Labor party.

Edbrooke said he will not be intimidated by the incident. He referenced the recent attack in Wangaratta and the safety of other politicians. He argued that such actions could lead to more security for members of parliament, making them less available to the public.

He maintained that Australians can disagree politically while still engaging in face-to-face conversation. He warned that losing this habit could change how representatives interact with their constituents.