Bullet Inscribed With ‘RAT’ Found on Victorian Minister’s Car as Police Investigate Threat
By Chloe · Published 26 Oct 2026 · Updated 26 Oct 2026
Melbourne, VIC · Victoria News
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Bullet Inscribed With ‘RAT’ Found on Victorian Minister’s Car as Police Investigate Threat - Melbourne, VIC
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Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke reports a threatening discovery in Frankston, prompting a police investigation amid growing concerns about threats against Australian politicians.
Victoria Police are investigating an alleged threat against Victorian Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke after a bullet bearing the word “RAT” and his former firefighter identification number was discovered on his car. The incident, reported on 26 October 2026, has raised fresh concerns about the safety of elected representatives and the growing hostility directed towards politicians.
Edbrooke, who represents the Frankston electorate, said he discovered the bullet on the bonnet of his car on Saturday, 24 October, after returning to the vehicle following a community event. The bullet reportedly had the word “RAT” engraved on it, alongside a number associated with his previous career as a firefighter.
The minister described the discovery as shocking and disturbing. He said the personal identification number was information that relatively few people would know, increasing his concerns about how the item had been placed on the vehicle. He also expressed concern for his family because his children use the same car.
Edbrooke previously worked as a firefighter for 14 years before entering politics. His background in emergency services has remained a significant part of his public identity. The incident has therefore drawn attention not only because of the apparent threat but also because of the personal information reportedly marked on the bullet.
Victoria Police confirmed that its Security Investigation Unit was investigating an alleged threat against a member of the Victorian Parliament in the greater Frankston area. Detectives are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, although authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or confirmed who was responsible.
The discovery comes amid a prolonged industrial dispute between Fire Rescue Victoria and the United Firefighters Union over employment conditions and an enterprise bargaining agreement. Edbrooke oversees the emergency services portfolio, placing him at the centre of matters affecting the state's firefighting workforce.
The minister said he had received aggressive messages and social media abuse from some people associated with the dispute. However, there is no established evidence that the union as an organisation was responsible for the bullet incident.
United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall condemned the threat and said it did not represent firefighters or the union. He also clarified earlier comments describing Edbrooke and Premier Ben Carroll as being “in the gun”, saying he was referring to electoral consequences rather than physical violence. The union indicated it would cooperate with police.
Politicians from different parties have condemned the incident and expressed support for Edbrooke and his family. The case has added to a wider national discussion about the treatment of public officials, particularly after federal independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured in an alleged deliberate vehicle attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on 19 October.
The two incidents have not been linked by investigators. However, they have prompted renewed calls for political leaders, parties and members of the public to reject threats and intimidation.
The Australian Federal Police has previously warned about the consequences of increasingly hostile political discourse. Government representatives have stressed that robust disagreement is part of democratic life, but threats against individuals and their families are unacceptable.
Police continue to investigate the discovery in Frankston and are working to establish who left the bullet, how the incident occurred and whether any further security measures are required. No person has been publicly identified as responsible for the alleged threat.
The investigation highlights the importance of protecting elected representatives while ensuring that allegations are examined through proper legal processes. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to contact police.
The case remains under investigation, and responsibility for the incident has not been established.
BulletIncidentPoliceEdbrookeThreat
Victoria Police are investigating an alleged threat against Victorian Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke after a bullet bearing the word “RAT” and his former firefighter identification number was discovered on his car. The incident, reported on 26 October 2026, has raised fresh concerns about the safety of elected representatives and the growing hostility directed towards politicians.
Edbrooke, who represents the Frankston electorate, said he discovered the bullet on the bonnet of his car on Saturday, 24 October, after returning to the vehicle following a community event. The bullet reportedly had the word “RAT” engraved on it, alongside a number associated with his previous career as a firefighter.
The minister described the discovery as shocking and disturbing. He said the personal identification number was information that relatively few people would know, increasing his concerns about how the item had been placed on the vehicle. He also expressed concern for his family because his children use the same car.
Edbrooke previously worked as a firefighter for 14 years before entering politics. His background in emergency services has remained a significant part of his public identity. The incident has therefore drawn attention not only because of the apparent threat but also because of the personal information reportedly marked on the bullet.
Victoria Police confirmed that its Security Investigation Unit was investigating an alleged threat against a member of the Victorian Parliament in the greater Frankston area. Detectives are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident, although authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or confirmed who was responsible.
The discovery comes amid a prolonged industrial dispute between Fire Rescue Victoria and the United Firefighters Union over employment conditions and an enterprise bargaining agreement. Edbrooke oversees the emergency services portfolio, placing him at the centre of matters affecting the state's firefighting workforce.
The minister said he had received aggressive messages and social media abuse from some people associated with the dispute. However, there is no established evidence that the union as an organisation was responsible for the bullet incident.
United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall condemned the threat and said it did not represent firefighters or the union. He also clarified earlier comments describing Edbrooke and Premier Ben Carroll as being “in the gun”, saying he was referring to electoral consequences rather than physical violence. The union indicated it would cooperate with police.
Politicians from different parties have condemned the incident and expressed support for Edbrooke and his family. The case has added to a wider national discussion about the treatment of public officials, particularly after federal independent MP Helen Haines was critically injured in an alleged deliberate vehicle attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on 19 October.
The two incidents have not been linked by investigators. However, they have prompted renewed calls for political leaders, parties and members of the public to reject threats and intimidation.
The Australian Federal Police has previously warned about the consequences of increasingly hostile political discourse. Government representatives have stressed that robust disagreement is part of democratic life, but threats against individuals and their families are unacceptable.
Police continue to investigate the discovery in Frankston and are working to establish who left the bullet, how the incident occurred and whether any further security measures are required. No person has been publicly identified as responsible for the alleged threat.
The investigation highlights the importance of protecting elected representatives while ensuring that allegations are examined through proper legal processes. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to contact police.
The case remains under investigation, and responsibility for the incident has not been established.
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