Matt Johnston: John Setka resignation a distraction from union’s underlying issues

CFMEU boss John Setka, Australia’s version of Donald Trump, thrives on attention— and the union is hoping his latest move will distract from the larger problems at play.

Since taking the CFMEU reins in Victoria 12 years ago, John Setka has been a human headline.

Those close to him say that although he protests about his treatment by union-haters, the man who rattles off one-liners like Australia’s version of Donald Trump thrives on attention.

His union will be hoping their human headline’s decision to quit – a bombshell announcement despite it being a few months before he was due to retire – will distract people from serious underlying issues.

Setka’s statement on the way out the door, vaguely mentioning serious allegations that are being made against the union, was full of martyrdom.

CFMEU boss John Setka is a “human headline” and Australia’s answer to Donald Trump. Picture: Daniel Pockett.

“If my stepping down can stop these malicious attacks on our members and officials and allow this great union to continue to fight for our members, their wages and conditions, so that they go home safely to their families each day, then I’m happy.”

While John Setka is the face of the union, it is not a one-man operation.

There are systemic and deep-rooted problems with how the CFMEU operates, including through intimidation and thuggery.

Links to bikies and other criminal figures tend to be brushed off by union figures.

But some quietly concede that since Covid-19 protests against the CFMEU, which saw its offices – and Setka – attacked, things have shifted.

Someone, they say, let the foxes into the hen house in a bid to muscle up.

State and federal governments have so far refused to rein in the union’s egregious behaviour on work sites.

Let’s see whether they change their tune now, or hide behind the distraction of a human headline’s resignation.