CFMEU boss John Setka resigns as head of construction union’s Victorian branch

John Setka has resigned as the head of the powerful Victorian branch of the construction union the CFMEU.

John Setka has resigned as the head of the powerful Victorian branch of the construction union the CFMEU.

Mr Setka, who was supposed to step down from the militant union later this year, told members he decided to pull the pin early due to ongoing allegations about the union “whether true or not”.

It is understood queries made about the union’s links to criminal organisations, such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, were among the issues that triggered the sudden decision that has rocked the trade union movement.

Senior figures close to Mr Setka said the fact that he had already declared he was not standing again at union elections, meaning he was retiring in the next few months, meant it was the right call to minimise damage to the CFMEU.

But the federal opposition said unless broader bad behaviour within the union was “stomped out, our construction sector will continue to be held back”.

CFMEU boss John Setka resigned as the head of the construction union. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Concerns had been growing in recent months about threates and intimidation on work sites that had driven out non-aligned subcontractors from the Big Build.

The Herald Sun had revealed details of a CFMEU “takeover” of many sites and a whopping premium added to budgets due to builders selecting companies with tenders double the price of competitors if they were linked to the union.

In a statement released late on Friday, Mr Setka did not respond directly to current allegations, made by Channel 9’s 60 Minutes, but said he wanted attacks on him and the union to end.

“These stories have been constant, and while I’ve been the target of them, enough is enough, the ongoing false allegations continually do nothing but harm the great work this great union does for its members,” he said in a statement.

“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.”

Mr Setka recently courted controversy for attacking the head of umpiring at the AFL over his former job as head of the nation’s construction industry watchdog, saying he would be pursued to the ends of the earth.

State opposition roads spokesman Danny O’Brien said he thought most Victorians would be glad to see Mr Setka out of a job.

“I think you’d be right that people in Victoria would be happy to see John go,” Mr O’Brien told Sky News.

CFMEU Secretary John Setka. Picture: Daniel Pockett

“I think that Mr Setka over the years has led a union that’s been fined multiple times in the federal system and that hasn’t done any favours for our budget bottom line in terms of the blowouts on costs on some of our building and construction.

“That’s why we’re committed to bringing back a code of conduct for the building and construction industry.”

“(I’m) not aware of the details of why he’s going early but I think it’s ‘goodbye and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.’”

Federal opposition workplace relations spokeswoman, Michaelia Cash, said Mr Setka’s resignation was a welcome development but a long time coming.

Senator Cash said his behaviour had been appalling over many years, with recent threats against the AFL over a personal vendetta.

“Australian taxpayers have ultimately paid the price for the militant actions of the CFMEU for many years now,” she said.

“Unfortunately there are many in the CFMEU who emulate Mr Setka and who exhibit similar behaviour.

“Unless this behaviour is stomped out, our construction sector will continue to be held back.”

Senator Cash accused Anthony Albanese of being weak on Mr Setka’s behaviour.

But Mr Setka’s ally, Electrical Trades Union boss Troy Gray, said the union leader he had known for more than three decades had changed industrial relations and thrived during constant attacks on him and his family.

“If I had a son or daughter on an unsafe work site the first person I’d call would be John.”

“When you pull it all back and point to the scoreboard, John Setka has been very successful.”