‘RAT’ etched on bullet left on Victorian Labor minister’s car prompts family safety fears
Bullet found on car
Edbrooke said he found the bullet after spending the day in his community. He told ABC Radio Melbourne he was shocked and horrified by what he saw. The minister said the bullet carried his old firefighter identification number as well as the word “RAT”. Edbrooke described the message as a death threat.
Concerns about family safety
Edbrooke said the number was specific to a firefighter and would not be known to the wider community. He said he had received aggressive threats and abuse on social media from members of the United Firefighters Union.
Minister rejects intimidation
The discovery followed an alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines the previous week. There was no suggestion the two incidents were connected. Speaking on Monday, Edbrooke said he would not be intimidated. He said Australians should be able to disagree politically and talk with one another at polling booths.
Key points
- Paul Edbrooke said a bullet marked with “RAT” and his former firefighter number was left on his car.
- The Victorian emergency services minister said he fears for his family’s safety.
- Edbrooke said the number was specific to a firefighter and not known to the broader community.
- No link was suggested between the incident and an alleged attack on Helen Haines.