Victorian Minister Fears For Safety After Bullet Left On Car
Victoria’s emergency services minister, Paul Edbrooke, discovered a bullet inscribed with the word “RAT” and his former firefighter identification number on the bonnet of his car in Frankston on Saturday. The Herald Sun reported that Edbrooke returned to the vehicle after being away for about an hour at a community event to find the threatening item, sparking fears for his and his family’s safety.
Discovery of the Threat in Frankston
Paul Edbrooke made the discovery on Saturday after attending a community event in his Frankston electorate. The five-digit ID number etched into the side of the bullet corresponded to his past service as a firefighter, a specific detail he noted would only be known within firefighting circles rather than the general public. Edbrooke stated that the vehicle is regularly driven by his young adult children, amplifying his anxiety about the potential danger.
Victoria Police confirmed that detectives from the security investigation unit are investigating the threat against a member of parliament following a report filed on Sunday. Premier Ben Carroll expressed disgust over the incident, describing Edbrooke as tough and determined to continue working for emergency services personnel and his constituents.
Union Dispute Context
Edbrooke stated that the only aggressive threats and social media abuse he receives originate from members of the United Firefighters Union. The union has been locked in a prolonged enterprise bargaining agreement dispute with Fire Rescue Victoria, an agency overseen by Edbrooke, since 2021. The industrial dispute has prompted the union to campaign heavily against the Victorian Labor government ahead of next month’s election.
United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall condemned the threat without qualification, stating that whoever left the bullet does not speak for or act for firefighters. Marshall also defended a recent union video warning that the premier and the minister were “in the gun,” clarifying that the phrase referred strictly to the ballot box.
Jess Wilson Calls for Calm Amid Police Investigation
Opposition leader Jess Wilson called for calm following the incident, noting the necessity of lowering political temperatures in the wake of recent security concerns involving federal MP Helen Haines. Meanwhile, members of various political parties, including the Greens and Liberals, have interacted with the union.
Police investigators have not linked the Frankston incident to any other recent threats against elected officials.
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