Tensions in Victoria's Labor government over the assisted dying bill have spilled out in an accidental text message.
A senior minister called Deputy Premier James Merlino a "c***" in a text message sent to him by mistake on Wednesday night.
The controversial debate has caused serious tension within Labor, as Mr Merlino, a fierce opponent, pushed to kill off the bill the government has championed as a flagship policy for 12 months.
Victorian MPs will vote on the controversial bill after the deputy premier's attempt to scuttle the bill failed.
James Merlino had put up a reason amendment, that if successful would have stopped any further voting on his own government's bill.
But it was defeated 47-39 about 11.30pm on Wednesday night.
The controversial bill will now move to the next stage of the debate.
Mr Merlino's efforts were in stark contrast to Premier Daniel Andrews', who has been pushing for the change alongside Jill Hennessy since the death of his father last year.
The government wants to introduce assisted dying for the terminally ill who have a diagnosis of 12 months to live or less.
Both sides have given their MPs a conscience vote on the matter.
The lower house spent has spent two days debating the bill until midnight.
Earlier in the day Premier Daniel Andrews said he believed the debate had been respectful.
