Coffs Harbour City Council has launched a shocking attack on transparency and workers' rights, attempting to gag the United Services Union (USU) after the union exposed its secret plan to privatise the local lifeguard service, a move that would devastate jobs, slash wages, and put public safety at risk.
26 lifeguards are set to be axed under the plan.
The Council's move to silence the USU in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission yesterday was a desperate and disgraceful attempt to suppress the truth. It failed.
"This is a Council that's not just turning its back on its workers, it's actively trying to shut them up," said Luke Hutchinson, USU Official.
"They tried to muzzle us for exposing their backdoor deal to privatise lifesaving jobs.
"They failed, and we will not be silenced.
"This Council is more interested in silencing workers than listening to them.
"They tried to shut us up for telling the community what's really going on, that they're planning to hand over a vital public safety service to a private operator behind closed doors.
The USU has revealed that six permanent lifeguards and 20 casuals are set to be axed under the Council's outsourcing plan.
Those re-hired by the private provider face pay cuts of up to $50,000 a year, along with slashed weekend penalty rates, a brutal blow to workers who risk their lives to protect beachgoers.
And it's not just workers who will pay the price, ratepayers will be left to foot the bill also. If lifeguards are sacked, the Council will be required to pay out redundancy entitlements, costing the community even more for a decision made without consultation or consent.
"This is not just a jobs issue, it's a public safety crisis," Hutchinson said.
"Privatising lifesaving services means fewer trained professionals, lower standards, and a community left vulnerable. And all of it is being done in secret, without a single conversation with the workers or the public."
The USU is urging the people of Coffs Harbour to listen, stand up and fight back against this reckless and undemocratic plan.
Join the campaign to save the Lifeguard Service.
Council Chambers, Coffs Harbour
5:00 PM, Thursday 28 August 2025
A Notice of Motion from Councillor Judge to reject the outsourcing will be debated at the meeting. This is the community's chance to demand transparency, accountability, and the protection of local jobs and public safety.
