A decision about a new pay deal for firefighters has been deferred as the Victorian government tries to resolve a long-running dispute between the union and the CFA.
Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett on Monday night said the government is undertaking further work around the issues at the heart of the CFA's decision to reject the proposed deal.
"The government will be looking to finalise these matters in coming days," she said in a statement.
The Victorian cabinet met on Monday but ministers declined to comment to media about whether they had discussed the firefighters' deal as they left parliament.
Ms Garrett said she has been working closely with Premier Daniel Andrews and Industrial Relations Minister Natalie Hutchins over the past 24 hours and "good progress has been made".
The minister, who has previously said she strongly opposes the proposed deal, could stand down if the government forces the deal.
The CFA on Monday rejected the pay deal because it believes many proposed clauses are unlawful.
The CFA also oppose a "consultation clause" they fear will hand the union a veto over management decisions.
Fair work commissioner Julius Roe last week made non-binding recommendations which favour the union, but the CFA maintains the proposed EBA undermines volunteers and is discriminatory.
The CFA is seeking further legal advice but says it is committed to resolving the matter as quickly as possible.
On the weekend the government appointed emergency services commissioner Craig Lapsley as independent arbiter to ensure any implementation of a new pay deal won't affect volunteers.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also weighed into the dispute by attending a CFA rally in Melbourne on Sunday and promising volunteers he would change the Fair Work Act to help them - if his government is re-elected.
This prompted Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to accuse Mr Turnbull of causing trouble in a state issue.
"He's causing more trouble where there's already enough trouble existing at the moment," Mr Shorten told reporters in Melbourne on Monday.
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