State government facing calls to remove image of CFMEU leader John Setka from Adelaide Metro tram

The state government is facing calls to immediately order the removal of a “disgraceful and offensive” picture of militant CFMEU leader John Setka emblazoned on the side of a tram.

The state government is facing calls to immediately order the removal of a “disgraceful and offensive” picture of militant CFMEU leader John Setka emblazoned on the side of a tram.

Mr Setka has been convicted of harassing his estranged wife, who has moved to South Australia and is reliant on public transport as a means of travel.

His image appears on an Adelaide Metro tram, alongside pictures of other members and CFMEU logos, as part of a union advertising campaign.

Opposition government accountability spokesman Sam Telfer said the picture of Mr Setka should be immediately taken down.

“Domestic violence survivors would see that tram and wonder why a man like John Setka, who has a nasty reputation for his behaviour is allowed to be paraded through the CBD,” he said.

“Peter Malinauskas’ decision to allow John Setka’s CFMEU to operate unchecked in South Australia sends a horrible message to domestic violence survivors and to local businesses which are already suffering at the hands of the union.”

CFMEU state secretary John Setka appears on the side of a tram as part of a union advertising campaign. Picture: Supplied

The other side of the tram, which has been emblazoned with CFMEU advertising. Picture: Jo Schulz

Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said last week there was a ban in place that prevented political advertisements from being displayed on trams, and added “controversial topics don’t belong on our trams”.

The Transport Department has said the third-party agency that approved the campaign would be counselled, and the advertisement would not be removed.

Mr Malinauskas said the government should always be looking to remedy breaches of policy.

“But I haven’t received any advice to suggest that’s the case in this instance,” he said on Tuesday.

He said it was important that advertising comply with codes and guidelines, but defended the rights of individuals and unions.

“We live in a free country. I firmly believe in freedom of association. I think that’s important for businesses and workers,” he said.

“It’s an essential principle of our democratic values and I wouldn’t want to do anything that would be contrary to those principles either.

“When it comes to public advertising in all of its forms, whether it be on a public asset or otherwise, that’s got to be done in accordance with appropriate advertising guidelines and principles.”

A quote supplied by an industry insider this week revealed advertising similar to that purchased by the union can cost about $50,000 plus GST for a 12-week campaign.

The CFMEU last week said the advertisement was “part of a larger member campaign with multiple outdoor sites”.

“The CFMEU, just like any advertiser, has a right to book media space,” a spokeswoman said.