CFMEU boss’s wife says Jane Garrett’s treatment a ‘disgrace’

EMMA Walters, the wife of CFMEU chief John Setka, has slammed Premier Daniel Andrews over his treatment of former emergency services minister Jane Garrett.

EMMA Walters, the wife of CFMEU chief John Setka, has slammed Premier Daniel Andrews over his treatment of former emergency services minister Jane Garrett.

Ms Walters, a close friend and political ally of Ms Garrett, on Friday said the Premier’s decision to force her from the Cabinet in the midst of the CFA crisis was “disgraceful”.

“Jane Garrett is a very strong person, she is a strong woman,” Ms Walters told the Herald Sun on Friday.

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Emma Walters with her husband, CFMEU chief John Setka. Picture: David Geraghty

“She has been persecuted in my view, by bullies. I don’t think that anyone can understand what she’s been through.”

Ms Walters, an industrial lawyer, who was once mooted for a seat in the Upper House, also lashed out at Mr Andrews for his silence after blackmail charges against her husband were dropped in the Magistrates’ Court this week.

Emma Walters says Premier Daniel Andrews’ decision to force Jane Garrett from the Cabinet in the midst of the CFA crisis was ‘disgraceful’. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“I think the failure of the Andrews Government to actually have anything to say about dropping of the charges against my husband is consistent with his (the Premier’s) conduct in relation to Jane Garrett,” Ms Walters said.

“The fact that Daniel Andrews did not come out and applaud the DPP and say what a great decision, I think that speaks loudly,” Ms Walters said.

Ms Garrett was the Emergency Services Minister but was forced to resign from Cabinet in protest over the CFA pay deal in 2016.

Jane Garrett was the Emergency Services Minister but was forced to resign from Cabinet in protest over the CFA pay deal in 2016. Picture: Ellen Smith

Meanwhile, John Setka has warned Opposition Leader Bill Shorten he would have six months to prove himself if he became prime minister.

Mr Setka has ramped up his campaign for Mr Shorten to make it easier for workers to go on strike.

He lashed out at the Fair Work laws created by Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd and said they were “probably the worst Labor prime ministers in Labor’s history”.

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