The union said it was disappointed the shire was considering backflipping on funding promises for the home and community care program.

The union’s branch co-ordinator Billy King made the claim that Indigo Shire had already decided to use the government’s rate capping “as a platform to make hard-working employees insecure about their employment despite the fact that the Andrews’ government rate capping proposal is not yet implemented across councils”.

“There is absolutely no doubt that the Indigo region will suffer if a quality and valued service like home and community care is withdrawn from council,” Mr King said.

“Community members who receive this service are among the most vulnerable, and it has been proven time and time again that a council-run community care system offers the highest and most productive level of service.

“People’s livelihoods are on the line, so we urge councillors to acknowledge the crippling effects outsourcing will have on the community.

“There is no doubt rate capping at CPI will be a disaster for local government, the community and Australia Services Union members.

“Kneejerk reactions — at the expense of the livelihoods of workers — is not acceptable.”

Mr King said the union would continue to fight to lessen the effects of rate capping on the future.

“But we are appalled that some councils are already using it as an excuse despite the government’s plans to roll out this potentially devastating proposal in the 2016-17 financial year.”

Mayor Bernard Gaffney disputed the suggestions made by the union.

“The council has never said anything about the health and community services not being conducted by the shire,” he said.

“In fact the council has voted to continue that service until 2018.

“For the union to say anything opposite is a complete beat up.

“We have said some councils in North East Victoria were considering it but the Indigo Shire is not one of those.”