John Setka’s AFL threat highlights need to stand strong against CFMEU infiltration in SA | Kathryn Bermingham

Two years ago, prominent property developer Theo Maras warned us about the influence of the CFMEU. John Setka’s latest antics prove he was right, writes Kathryn Bermingham.

When the South Australian branch of the CFMEU was taken over by militant Victorian secretary John Setka in mid-2022, the union was adamant: there was nothing to worry about.

Prominent Adelaide property developer Theo Maras – one of the few to speak publicly among many who were concerned – warned that the takeover would decimate the industry unless businesses push back against excessive demands.

He spoke of excessive wages and soaring costs, hurting businesses and ultimately depriving workers of jobs.

The union hit back with force, saying changes were “nothing dramatic” and “bad faith actors should stop attempting to cause industry panic for their own purposes”.

But fast-forward two years and it seems that Mr Maras may have been on to something.

Astonishingly, Mr Setka has this week threatened to stall footy-related projects – including the Adelaide Crows’ new Thebarton headquarters – over a personal gripe with AFL head of umpiring Stephen McBurney.

CFMEU leader John Setka threatened to stall footy-related projects recently. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

The stall threat comes from a personal gripe with AFL head of umpires, Stephen McBurney.

In an interview with The Australian, Mr Setka said the construction union would not work with the AFL to address cost blowouts or project delays until Mr McBurney was sacked.

“We have an obligation to pursue anti-union, anti-worker f--kers like him and we will until the end of the earth,” he said.

“This is going to cost the AFL a lot of f--king money. I hope it’s worth it. Projects without our full co-operation are going to be a f--king misery for them.”

The reason for the tirade? Mr McBurney’s previous job was head of the now-dismantled Australian Building and Construction Commission – a body that initiated legal action against the union, resulting in millions of dollars in penalties.

The AFL has hit back at Mr Setka’s threats, defending Mr McBurney as “a long-time mentor to umpires at every level” who has done “an outstanding job” as head of officiating.

But the whole saga exposes once again the bullying tactics of the CFMEU and the need for a hardline stance when dealing with the union.

Over the two years since the takeover there have been sure signs it is tightening its grip over the local construction industry, including instances where seemingly unreasonable demands have been made.

The Advertiser has recently been made aware of concerns of union influence over tier one government projects, with South Australian companies at risk of missing out on work to CFMEU-preferred companies headquartered on the east coast.

That risk should sound alarm bells for industry and government.

Bodies such Master Builders SA have been strong in calling out poor behaviour and pushing back against the CFMEU since the takeover.

But Mr Setka’s latest outburst confirms what we already knew. The CFMEU is drunk on power, and isn’t afraid to use it destructively.