The CFA's outgoing chief fire officer sought more power and money, the Victorian government has said, after he became the latest person to quit over a controversial union pay deal.
Joe Buffone announced on Thursday he'd resigned over concerns the enterprise agreement with the United Firefighters Union compromised his ability to protect the community.
But Emergency Services Minister James Merlino painted a very different picture of his departure.
Mr Merlino said Mr Buffone resigned on Tuesday but then offered, through his lawyers, to stay on if he had equal status and salary with the chief executive. That would have entailed an $85,000 pay rise.
He also wanted an entitlement of 12 months salary at the higher pay if he departed before the end of his contract "for whatever reason", the minister said on Thursday.
"These were highly unusual demands," Mr Merlino told reporters, adding the CFA was seeking legal advice before Mr Buffone's offer to withdraw his resignation expired on Wednesday evening.
Emails released by the government show Mr Buffone offered to reconsider after speaking with CFA chair Greg Smith. It's not known who initiated that discussion.
Mr Buffone on Thursday afternoon tweeted: "While there are some ongoing attempts to discredit me in the media today I unequivocally stand by my statement".
Earlier he'd written to CFA members arguing the UFU deal "impedes my vision for CFA as a modern, contemporary and inclusive emergency service".
"I believe the agreement will tie the hands of those obliged by law to protect the safety of Victorians," he added.
Mr Buffone's departure comes after the Victorian government sacked the CFA board earlier this month after it repeatedly refused to back the pay deal with the organisation's professional firefighters.
The CFA's then chief executive officer, Lucinda Nolan, subsequently quit and Mr Buffone temporarily filled her role until Frances Diver took over the position earlier this week.
Former Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett was the first domino to fall in the saga when she resigned from the Labor cabinet on June 10 rather than support the union deal.
Union secretary Peter Marshall on Thursday was asked if he was "collecting scalps".
"The only thing I am collecting is good will," he told reporters.
But state Opposition Leader Matthew Guy insists "no-one is safe in the fire services in Victoria".
The dispute has become a federal election issue with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull promising a re-elected coalition government would use the Fair Work Act to block the deal.
"We will protect the autonomy of the CFA volunteers," Mr Turnbull told 3AW on Thursday.
Volunteer firefighters plan to "passively" protest at Victorian polling booths on Saturday.
Mr Marshall has also instructed his members to remain calm when campaigning.
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