Victorian minister finds inscribed bullet on car in Frankston

Victoria Emergency Services Minister Paul Edbrooke discovered a bullet on his car bonnet after attending a community event in Frankston on Saturday. According to the Guardian, citing a report by the Herald Sun, the bullet was etched with the word RAT alongside his former firefighter number. Edbrooke stated that he believes someone has been following him and expressed fear for the safety of his family. [1]

The Guardian reported that Edbrooke had left his vehicle for approximately 20 minutes before returning to find the object on his bonnet. Police are investigating the incident following the threat against the state minister. [1]

The threat occurs amid heightened security concerns for Australian politicians. As FTMQ News reported earlier, independent federal MP Helen Haines was left in critical condition after a deliberate vehicle attack outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on October 19, 2026. Counter-terrorism police investigated that incident, and a 43-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene. [1][5]

The incident involving Edbrooke has renewed debates regarding the physical safety of elected officials in Victoria and across Australia. [1]