Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' fire reforms appear doomed after a key Upper House crossbencher declared he would not vote for the Government's plan to change the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB).
Labor had hoped that James Purcell would be the key vote in the Upper House to support the reforms that would see the CFA become volunteer-only, and a new career Fire Rescue Victoria set up to replace the MFB.
Mr Andrews and Emergency Services Minister James Merlino said they are prepared to look at amendments to get the bill through Parliament.
But following meetings with the Government this week, in which Mr Purcell said he tried to get changes made to support volunteers, he declared he would not vote for the bill.
"The Government was not willing to meet those conditions and I will not be supporting the bill in its current form," he said.
"This issue is too important to be pushed through without support of the volunteers. It's up to the Government now to go back to the drawing board and create a better plan."
The Andrews Government is still holding onto hope that it can get the bill passed with amendments that will appease someone in the crossbench.
Take fire reforms to next election: Opposition
Mr Merlino lashed out at Mr Purcell, saying the Western Districts MP had chosen not put forward ideas and negotiate.
"We are continuing to negotiate with all crossbenchers and are willing to work with them to see any concerns addressed,'' Mr Merlino said.
"These reforms will modernise our fire services, provide more support for volunteers and — most importantly — keep Victorians safe."
The firefighters' union, who are fully supportive of the reforms, were disappointed with Mr Purcell's decision and have offered to provide him more information on the bill if requested.
Shadow Attorney-General John Pesutto said there was clearly no support for the bill.
"Daniel Andrews has no case for this bill, he has no mandate for his bill and he has no support for his bill. He should take this to an election,'' Mr Pesutto said.
The Opposition, the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party and the Australian Conservatives are all opposed to the bill in its current form, and Labor have only managed to get 20 votes in the 40-member Upper House.
