The United Services Union (USU) continues to demand answers from Coffs Harbour City Council over its secretive and deeply concerning push to outsource Beach Lifeguard Services, an essential public safety function.
Despite widespread community concern and sustained union pressure, the Council has persisted in hiding behind confidentiality, refusing to engage in open dialogue or provide transparency around its plans. The privatisation proposal has now been paused, but serious questions remain.
These concerns were further prosecuted before the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission on 14 August 2025.
“The Council’s secretive approach, shielding decisions from scrutiny and excluding its own workforce, shows a disturbing disregard for the public interest,” said USU Official Luke Hutchinson.
The USU has condemned the Council’s ongoing secrecy, accusing it of prioritising privatisation over the safety of beachgoers and the job security of its own employees.
“Let’s be clear: this Council seems more interested in privatisation than in protecting lives or respecting its staff,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“Our lifeguards are highly trained professionals delivering a gold-standard service.
They deserve respect, not to be undermined by backroom deals and confidential reports.”
The USU has long championed publicly delivered, community-first services, especially in critical areas like beach safety.
“Beach safety is not a business opportunity - it’s a public responsibility,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“This outcome forces the Council to come clean and puts the community back at the centre of the conversation.”
The Union continues to raise serious concerns that the Council’s actions may have breached the NSW Local Government (State) Award, the Local Government Act, and tendering guidelines. These matters remain under investigation.
The USU will continue to stand with Coffs Harbour’s beach lifeguards and the community to ensure public services remain public, and that those who deliver them are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
The matter returns to the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission on 8 September at Coffs Harbour Courthouse.
The USU calls on the community to contact your local councillors and demand they keep lifeguard services in public hands. Tell them to stop acting in secret and start putting public safety first.
Contact: Tim Brunero 0405 285 547
