Former minister Jane Garrett lost her job over her opposition to a workplace deal for paid CFA firefighters Credit:Simon O'Dwyer "This is a Daniel Andrews and Peter Marshall agreement. What does this do for Victoria?" one senior figure said. Pressure is now on the premier to decide whether to force the proposed agreement - which is opposed by the CFA - through cabinet or continue negotiations to ease concerns. Up until just two months ago Mr Andrews had been backing Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett who had shared the CFA's view that the union's demands were expensive, unworkable and "outrageous". But since a meeting with union secretary Peter Marshall, Mr Andrews' position has changed, worrying many that a sweetheart deal with the union had been struck that would diminish the role of volunteers.

CFA volunteers hold a motorcade of fire vehicles through the CBD. Credit:Chris Hopkins There is still no explanation from the Premier, other than the fight has gone on too long, for why he has become involved in the dispute. "All members of the government and all parties in this dispute agree it has gone on too long," the premier told Parliament last week. "It needs to be resolved, and it will be, with the assistance of the independent umpire and in the interests of volunteer firefighters, career firefighters and the safety of the Victorian community." The decision by Mr Andrews to get involved in the protracted dispute has left many baffled within his own government.

Volunteer Fire Brigade Victoria chief executive Andrew Ford said if the government adopted the position it would "be a betrayal of the work CFA volunteers do to protect the community every day of the year." "If implemented these recommendations will mean the progressive dismantling of the CFA as a volunteer and community based fully integrated service." Many in caucus and the ministry want the more-than-1000-day dispute to be finally resolved. Ms Garrett has now been placed in a tough position: after supporting the CFA, she will either have to backflip on her public position against the union, or hold her ground and either be sacked or resign. Both Mr Andrews' determination to "get the deal done" and Ms Garrett's demands for good policy outcomes have support among ministers.

Only Ms Garrett can compel the CFA board to sign the agreement. There are worries that a pay deal, if signed, could cost taxpayers up to $1 billion - the government argues it is much less - and by caving in to a militant union campaign it sends a message to other public sector unions to push the government as long and as hard as they can. Central to concerns is the union's requirement that seven career firefighters are present at an incident before it can be tackled by any of the 35 stations that deploy both professionals and volunteers. There are more than 1200 CFA fire brigades in the state. There are also concerns that the position gives the union too much consultation power over CFA decision making.

On Wednesday night, it was clear that the CFA board remained determined not to accept the union's log of claims. A CFA spokesman said throughout the protracted negotiation process the CFA had consistently raised "serious concerns about the impact of the UFU claims on both community safety and on our operational ability." "The CFA proposed a number of resolutions that were not accepted by the Commission. The Board will now consider the recommendations and provide a further update to members as soon as possible." Commissioner Roe was critical of the CFA during negotiations. Mr Roe, a former Australian Manufacturing Workers Union national president, said his recommendation provided the "best prospect for resolution of this long running dispute".