TWU DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY FROM NEW CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY TRANSPORT OPERATOR

The Transport Workers Union of NSW (TWU) is demanding answers from Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport (HKCT) on why some dedicated, long-serving drivers from a recently closed Central Coast community transport service are not being offered positions, despite HKCT being appointed as the new provider.

Employees were blindsided last week by the sudden collapse of Community Transport Central Coast Limited (CTCC), which resulted in over 70 workers losing their jobs. The closure also saw the shutdown of a volunteer-run service.

The TWU has been working closely with the NSW Government to ensure the quick re-establishment of these essential services, with the expectation that former drivers would continue serving their communities.

Transport for NSW announced HKCT has been engaged to provide community transport services for eligible clients on the Central Coast. However, emails seen by the TWU suggest HKCT has been selectively contacting workers, failing to inform them about each other, and potentially targeting union delegates by not offering them roles.

The NSW Government had expressed a clear desire for as many former CTCC drivers as possible to be re-engaged by HKCT.

The TWU calls on the NSW Government to ensure that HKTC is conducting a fair and transparent assessment of the existing pool of dedicated drivers, who want to continue providing their essential services to the Central Coast’s most vulnerable.

TWU NSW State Secretary Richard Olsen said it’s unacceptable some long-serving, dedicated drivers are being left out of employment after the collapse of Community Transport Central Coast.

“The NSW Government made it clear that as many of these drivers as possible should be re-engaged, yet we’re seeing selective outreach from HKCT.”

“Community transport is a lifeline for the most vulnerable residents on the Central Coast, and the workers who provide these services are just as vital. The new provider, HKCT, must honour their commitment and give these workers the opportunity to continue serving their community.”

“We’re calling on the NSW Government to step in and ensure HKCT is conducting a fair and transparent process that gives every driver the chance to be re-employed. These workers are highly experienced and deeply committed to the people they serve—it’s time for HKCT to do right by them.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Adam Jacobson – 0405 625 208 / adam.jacobson@twunsw.org.au