David Davis: Labor MPs ‘spineless, weak and prepared to excuse the most appalling behaviour from their mate John Setka’

Labor MPs have blocked a push for an inquiry into John Setka’s alleged threats and intimidation, sparking criticism the union boss “pulls their strings like a marionette puppet”.

Labor MPs have blocked a parliamentary push to establish an inquiry into trade union intimidation and union boss John Setka.

Senior Liberal MP David Davis on Wednesday moved an upper house motion calling for a select committee to inquiry into union issues.

In particular he wanted recent examples of union intimidation and threats, including recent comments by Mr Setka, to be probed.

He also wanted the committee to examine whether current laws were sufficient and adequate to deal with Mr Setka’s alleged threats and intimidation.

The opposition wanted a probe into John Setka and recent examples of union intimidation and threats. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Whether union behaviour and culture had contributed to billions of dollars in project cost blowouts would also have been probed.

But the motion was defeated after Labor MPs and crossbenchers from Legalise Cannabis, the Greens and the Animal Justice Party voted against the move.

“Not one Upper House Labor MP criticised CFMEU official John Setka’s recent and completely unacceptable threats and intimidation,” Mr Davis said.

“Labor are beholden to Setka and the CFMEU. He pulls their strings like a marionette puppet.

“Premier Jacinta Allan is a jelly back and her rabble of back benchers in the Upper are no different, spineless, weak and prepared to excuse the most appalling behaviour from their mate John Setka.

Mr Davis labelled Premier Jacinta Allan a ‘jelly back’. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“Labor appears unconcerned about the surging construction costs hitting young families seeking a home, driven, in part, by the costs imposed by Setka and his construction union.

“No modern person believes the threatening dinosaur behaviour of Mr Setka is acceptable, but Labor are willing to excuse it.”

Mr Setka last week demanded the AFL sack its umpire boss, former building watchdog Stephen McBurney, or face delays on league-related projects.

It came after Mr McBurney launched legal action against the union during his time as the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner.

Labor, and Ms Allan, have come under pressure to call out Mr Setka’s behaviour this week.