Victoria’s emergency services minister says he fears for his family’s safety after a bullet, etched with the word “RAT” and his old firefighter number, was left on his car on Saturday.

The Herald Sun first reported on Monday that Paul Edbrooke had returned to his car after speaking to members of the community and found the bullet on the bonnet.

He told ABC Radio Melbourne he was “shocked” and “horrified” by the discovery, particularly after the alleged attack on the federal MP Helen Haines last week. There was no suggestion the two incidents were linked

“We enjoy a great democracy in Australia and Victoria,” Edbrooke said. “I love getting out in my community.

“I was out in my community that day. I speak to people all the time, face to face. And then to come back to my car and find that, I was just shocked.

“My kids drive this car, and you start thinking, ‘Am I being followed? Who knows I’m here?…