CFMEU boss John Setka responds to recent neo-Nazi stunt at Geelong headquarters

Leading CFMEU figure John Setka has teed off on a neo-Nazi group after a disturbing message emerged on an encrypted messaging app.

NSN leader Thomas Sewell stands by while a member displays the Hitler salute. members of the Melbourne based group have been active in Geelong. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Leading CFMEU figure John Setka has teed off on a neo-Nazi group after a disturbing message emerged on an encrypted messaging app.

A group of at least nine masked men, believed to be from right-wing alliance the National Socialist Network (NSN), posed in front of the Union’s Geelong headquarters last week with a banner that read “Stop immigration. Keep Geelong White”.

It followed a similar demonstration on the steps of City Hall.

Mr Setka, the construction Union’s Victorian State Secretary, said he was “appalled” by the behaviour of the Melbourne-based white nationalist group in Geelong.

“This weak, racist group hide behind masks like cowards,” he said.

“Why anyone would support this neo-Nazi regime is beyond me.”

CFMEU leader John Setka has teed off on a neo-Nazi group. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

It comes after the NSN distributed a message on mobile messaging app Telegram, seen by the Geelong Advertiser, that read: “West Melbourne activists broadcasted a message directly to the cowardly CFMEU”.

“They made it known that there is only one group of men in this country that truly care for the average White Australian worker.

“When the mandates hit, these treacherous dogs took a knee and a wadded envelope and betrayed the very people they’ve sworn to protect, and hung the average White Australian out to dry.”

In condemning the post, Mr Setka said the CFMEU took “immense pride” in its diverse membership.

“I can’t understand why anyone would want to align themselves with a group that was complicit in the 2020 riots – a display of weakness and chaos,” he said.

“We will always stand by our brothers and sisters, regardless of their race, religion or gender.”

Members of the National Socialist Network pose in front of the CFMEU building in Geelong. Photo: Supplied.

It comes as an anti-defamation leader warned against “downplaying” a spate of offensive demonstrations by the far-right extremist ideologies.

A counter pro-immigration rally was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday night, with about 100 people attending.

Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, said it would be “dangerous to turn a blind eye” to recent activity by the Melbourne-based neo-Nazi organisation.

“We don’t need another Christchurch in Geelong to take this seriously,” he said.

“It is clear that Neo-Nazism is alive in Geelong as these individuals with malice in their hearts are targeting migrant communities and blowing on the embers of division and xenophobia.

Thomas Sewell speaks with police while members display the Nazi salute. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“This brazen and beyond despicable display of depravity belongs in Germany of the 1930s, not in Geelong and cannot stand.”

Dr Abramovich spearheaded a six-year national campaign against NSN and its leader, Thomas Sewell, resulting in Victoria and a number of states instituting the Nazi swastika ban.

His organisation also wants the Nazi salute criminalised.

City of Greater Geelong councillor Sarah Hathway said a You’re Welcome Here march, held on Tuesday, was in protest to the recent racist and extremist ideals broadcast across the city.

“We have a very diverse community in Geelong and residents are very sensitive of it,” she said.

“We want to send a whole of Geelong response that this does not represent our city.”

It comes after Pakington Street was targeted by right-wing extremist “terror group” Combat 18 last month.

Originally published as CFMEU boss John Setka responds to recent neo-Nazi stunt at Geelong headquarters