CFMEU Victorian state secretary John Setka announces immediate resignation

One of the most powerful figures in the construction industry has stood down from his position amid allegations of misconduct.

Victorian construction union boss John Setka has resigned following allegations about misconduct within the union.

Mr Setka said his decision to immediately step down as CFMEU Victorian state secretary is in direct response to “ongoing and relentless stories written with multiple allegations” against the union.

Mr Setka was due to step down from the position at the end of the year but called it quits on Friday evening in an effort to stop “malicious attacks” on the union.

John Setka announces he will step down from top job. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

“These stories have been constant, and while I’ve been the target of many of them, enough is enough, the ongoing false allegations continually do nothing but harm the 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, for their wages and conditions, so that they go home safely to their families each day, then I’m happy.”

Mr Setka thanked the members of the CFMEU, saying they made him “incredibly proud” during his four decades with the union.

Union members were notified of Mr Setka’s resignation in a short text message shortly after 6pm on Friday.

“Brothers and sisters, John Setka steps down as Secretary of the CFMEU Victorian Branch effective immediately,” the message read.

Mr Setka said he leaves the top job knowing the union will be left in the “capable hands” of the national office and victorian executive.

Mr Setka announced his resignation on Friday evening. Picture: David Crosling

Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien said Victorians would be happy to see Mr Setka go.

“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,” Mr O’Brien told Sky News.

“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.’”

In 2019, Mr Setka was forced out of the Labor Party for comments he made about domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty and his conviction for harassing his estranged wife.

Three years later, the federal government killed off the Australian Building and Construction Commission, which led to a number of legal cases against the CFMEU.

Mr Setka recently sparked controversy when he demanded the sacking of AFL head of umpiring Stephen McBurney, with the union boss stating he would impede AFL projects unless Mr McBurney was fired.

Mr McBurney was the former Australian Building and Construction Commissioner.

Originally published as CFMEU Victorian state secretary John Setka announces immediate resignation