Premier warned of continued ‘corruption’ on worksites, urged to probe CFMEU

The state opposition has accused Jacinta Allan of running a protection racket for John Setka and called on the Premier to launch an urgent probe into the militant CFMEU.

The state opposition has warned that “corruption” on worksites will continue despite John Setka’s resignation from the CFMEU, unless the Allan government launches an urgent probe into the militant union.

Deputy Liberal leader and opposition transport infrastructure spokesman David Southwick on Saturday called on Premier Jacinta Allan to face the media and explain how she would crack down on bad union behaviour.

Mr Southwick accused Ms Allan of running a protection racket for Mr Setka, calling for an investigation to “clean up the very union that has held this state to ransom for far too long”.

“I think all Victorians are finally glad to see the back of John Setka,” he said.

“But that’s not enough. Once John Setka goes, who’s in charge of the CFMEU then? This is a corrupt union.”

Mr Setka, who was supposed to step down later this year, on Friday resigned early, understood to be prompted by queries about the union’s links to criminal organisations, such as outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Premier Jacinta Allan is being urged to outline how she will crack down on dodgy union behaviour in the wake of new allegations. Picture: Diego Fedele

He faced allegations alleged bikie figures and convicted criminals had been given lucrative union roles on various major projects, including the taxpayer-funded Victorian Big Build.

On Saturday, a government spokeswoman said the “extremely serious allegations” would need to be investigated by the appropriate authorities.

“Our expectations are clear. There is zero tolerance for illegal behaviour,” she said.

“John Setka has resigned — as he should.”

Earlier this year, the state opposition pledged to reinstate a code of practice for the building and construction industry through a watchdog to be known as Construction Enforcement Victoria.

The code will look after onsite conduct, settle disputes, prevent sham contracting and crack down on dodgy behaviour.

“Unless you actually bring in some tighter laws to ensure they can’t run absolutely riot over the state and these projects, you are just going to get this behaviour again,” Mr Southwick said.

Deputy Victorian Liberal Party leader David Southwick has accused the Premier of running a protection racket for Mr Setka. Picture: Getty Images

On Saturday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Mr Setka’s resignation, saying he has “no legitimate place in the Labor movement”.

“Trade unions exist to look after workers, to look after their wages and conditions and health and safety. They don’t exist to engage in the sort of conduct that John Setka has clearly been engaged with,” he said.

Both the CFMEU Victorian and national branches refused to comment on Saturday. Instead, the unions said they would release a statement on Monday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Mr Setka’s resignation. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Setka also refused to comment on Saturday.

In a statement released late on Friday, Mr Setka did not respond directly to the current allegations but said he wanted attacks on him and the union to end.

“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,” he said.