The United Services Union (USU) has condemned Coffs Harbour City Council for allegedly making a secret decision to outsource its Beach Lifeguard Service, without proper consultation or notification to affected staff.
USU Acting Manager North, Luke Hutchinson, said the move effectively breaches the NSW Local Government (State) Award 2023 and demonstrates contempt for the Council's own workforce.
"This is a disgraceful betrayal of the lifeguards who've protected our beaches for years," Mr Hutchinson said.
"Council has made a grubby backroom deal to outsource a vital public safety service, without notifying staff, the union, or the Consultative Committee.
"In our view, this is a clear breach of the Award and a complete failure of transparency."
The USU is also deeply concerned that any outsourcing arrangement may not meet the requirements under the Local Government Act or the NSW Local Government Tendering Guidelines.
Before the Council meeting on 21 July, the USU formally wrote to Council seeking consultation on the future of the service.
The Council responded, claiming no major decisions were pending. However, the USU understands that just days later, on 24 July, the elected Council adopted a confidential report recommending the outsourcing of the Lifeguard Service.
"Council told us nothing was happening—then days later, they told staff their jobs were gone," Mr Hutchinson said.
"This is not consultation, it's deception."
Affected lifeguards were only informed in person on 25 July, with no written notice or formal correspondence provided.
Council has since indicated it seeks to commence an alleged consultation period now, with implementation planned by September, despite having already made a "definite decision to outsource," according to the USU.
"This so-called consultation is a sham," Mr Hutchinson said.
"Council has already made up its mind.
"They're just going through the motions to tick a box."
The USU has requested urgent intervention from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, and an in-person hearing is to be held at the Newcastle Courthouse on 7 August 2025
"We will not stand by while Council dismantles a public safety service and discards loyal local employees without due process," Mr Hutchinson said.
