The firefighters' union tried to block the release of a mental health review into Melbourne's fire brigade that raises claims of bullying, harassment and a tribal culture.
The review, seen by Fairfax Media, airs "numerous reports" of bullying and harassment and talks about the "untold number of fireys" who had marriage breakdowns and who drank too much.
It also found women and men from non-Anglo-Celtic backgrounds were marginalised or bullied.
The report, by Dr Peter Cotton, was commissioned in response to three firefighter suicides this year.
Dr Cotton's report compares the experience of some firefighters to "a milder version of the Vietnam veteran experience: from being unequivocal heroes to returning to a changed political climate and vilified [by] members of the public".
Levels of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety among firefighters have increased since brigade staff began responding to medical emergencies in 2001.
Among the report's findings is that an "extreme lack of workforce diversity tends to be associated with higher levels of mental health problems", which was a problem in the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.
The United Firefighters Union has lodged a dispute at the industrial umpire, arguing the report unfairly vilifies an already under-siege staff and is part of a management strategy to undermine its workforce.
The report, which had been due to be released on Monday, found that while attitudes towards mental health were improving, removing the stigma and getting firefighters to talk about the issue needed to improve, with external support services needed.
Medical and psychological fitness-for-work tests are also recommended.
Union secretary Peter Marshall said he disputed the review's findings that the fire service was "full of drunks and bullies".
Mr Marshall accused the MFB executive of creating a biased report that vilified firefighters because it did not interview enough people and was selective in who was chosen to participate.
"The MFB has orchestrated the vilification of firefighters in the public arena as part of an industrial strategy to lower their standing in the community, so they can achieve industry reform," Mr Marshall said.
Firefighters' morale has crashed in recent years due to the ongoing industrial fight with management and negative media coverage of firefighters, which the review acknowledged.
The latest dispute follows the union's instruction to members in July to not participate in the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights commission inquiry into sexual harassment, discrimination and bullying in the state's fire services over fears the commission was biased against it.
Dr Cotton said he was "gobsmacked" by the claims the report had been massaged and dismissed the union's position as "rubbish".
He said mental health must stand outside industrial disputes and that the union was failing to properly engage on mental health issues.
He said he would ask WorkSafe and beyondblue to act as an oversight body to implement his report's recommendations.
For help or information call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au