A TERTIARY education union has come out firing over the University of the Sunshine Coast's push overhaul security at the campus, claiming the safety of staff and students is on the line.

The National Tertiary Education Union this morning claimed the university had already decided to outsource security to a contractor, despite the proposal still in the consultation phase.

The union's Queensland secretary Michael McNally called on the university to genuinely consult with security staff and to engage with all staff and students over this change.　

"The way management have presented their proposal, it's already a done deal,” said Mr McNally.

"They have already advertised two positions that will fundamentally change the way security is handled at USC, yet they say they are in a consultation phase. That's nonsense.”

Security staff were advised of the proposal in a meeting, with the acting union branch president Kelly Chambers also attending.

"Management certainly seem to have already made the decision to outsource the security officer roles. We asked for further time for consultation, but the positions have already been advertised,” Mr Chambers said.

"They have been replacing permanent staff with casuals for a while now and it seems that they want to outsource the rest.”　

Mr McNally said long-term security staff working for USC knew the campus, the work and the people.

"They take great care to protect the university environment,” Mr McNally said.

"Contractors who generally have high staff turnover cannot provide the same level of service, regardless of the promises made at the beginning.

"The security of staff and students is worth more than saving a few dollars using contractors.”

The Daily has contacted the university for comment.