Former CFMEU boss John Setka threatens to ‘name and shame’ ministers and government on social media

Former union boss John Setka has lashed out at the Albanese government, threatening to “name and shame” those involved in “destroying” the Victorian branch of the CFMEU.

Former union boss John Setka has issued a threat to key figures in the Albanese government, including Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke, claiming that he will “name and shame” them for their role in “destroying” the Victorian branch of the powerful CFMEU.

In his first personal post to social media, Mr Setka told followers to “stay tuned” for the “truth” after the federal government put the union into administration in August.

“Firstly, just for the record, my sudden resignation as state secretary of the Victorian branch was done to protect the union from administration, not because I had done anything wrong,

but to keep the union out of the govt (sic) hands,” he wrote.

Workplace Minister Tony Burke and former CFMEU Victorian boss John Setka. Picture: NewsWire

“And, I will be posting truthful comments on what Tony Burke and the Albanese government did to us all with the help of the ACTU and their role in trying to destroy this proud union.

“It will be controversial and confronting to people, and it will be very embarrassing to the people who I will name and shame for the roles they have played.”

The threat was issued on a new social media account set up in his name, which Labor figures have confirmed is his new personal account.

The profile has a picture of Mr Setka and a bio that reads “Fear stops you. Courage keeps you going!”

The former union boss stepped down as Victorian secretary of the CFMEU earlier in the year after allegations of corruption, bribery and bullying in the construction arm of the union were aired publicly.

At the time, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan came out swinging saying “thuggery” was not welcome on state worksites.

In recent months, Mr Setka has been keeping a quiet profile after he was last seen causing havoc on Victorian government worksites slamming the Albanese government’s move to put the union into administration.

In September, the former union boss gained access to one of the $14bn Metro Tunnel sites despite having no right of entry permit or union accreditation.

It followed his visit to Footscray Hospital site where he launched a vicious tirades against Labor and senior federal ministers.

At the time Victoria Police could not find evidence of trespassing and did not oppress charges.

Mr Setka had made similar threats to “reveal the truth” at both events.

Setka has told his social media followers to ‘stay tuned’ for the ‘truth’. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

He re-emerged momentarily in August with a video posted to social media by a Melbourne tattoo parlour, showing him with new ink reading “GOD FORGIVES THE CFMEU DOESNT” freshly tattooed across his neck.

His latest threat against the government and the CFMEU comes ahead of Big Build unions meeting in December threatening to split from the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ATCU) — the training ground for Labor legends such as Bob Hawke — to establish their own advocacy group.

Leaders of the unions, which represent 23 sectors including electrical, plumbing and manufacturing, have agreed to meet in December and form a game plan.

It’s not known whether Mr Setka has links with the group or whether he will be attending in any capacity.

Originally published as Former CFMEU boss John Setka threatens to ‘name and shame’ ministers and government on social media