Former CFMEU Boss John Setka Charged Over Threatening Emails
Hey everyone, there’s breaking news coming out of Victoria that’s making headlines today. Former construction union leader John Setka has been arrested and charged after allegedly sending threatening and harassing emails to a union administrator. Setka, who is 61, was taken into custody early Wednesday morning at his home in Footscray. During the police operation, a mobile phone and an iPad were seized as evidence.
He now faces seven counts of “using a telecommunications device to menace, harass, and offend.” The investigation has been led by Taskforce Hawk, a special unit created back in July 2024 to tackle allegations of criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry. Authorities have stated that the emails in question were sent following official notices issued to the CFMEU administrator at the end of October. The content of these emails was described as threatening, offensive, and abusive.
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Setka has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Melbourne’s magistrates court on January 30. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien has urged anyone who has witnessed concerning behaviour in the construction industry to come forward, emphasizing that reports can be made anonymously and will be treated confidentially. He stressed that harassment or intimidation of individuals simply trying to do their jobs will not be tolerated.
For context, John Setka was a prominent figure in the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, and Energy Union in Victoria for nearly 40 years. He stepped down in July 2024 after a major Nine News investigation alleged that criminal elements, including bikie gangs, had infiltrated the union. Setka has consistently denied these allegations, insisting that the claims were false, but he chose to resign to reduce media pressure.
The union itself was placed under administration in mid-2024 due to concerns about misconduct, corruption, and violence within its ranks. Setka has faced multiple legal battles over the years, including a conviction for harassing his estranged wife and allegations involving attempts to influence the AFL. Despite his resignation, he remains a high-profile figure in discussions about union oversight and accountability in the Australian construction sector.
This latest case shines a spotlight on ongoing issues within the industry and the broader efforts by law enforcement to address harassment and criminal behaviour in union workplaces. Authorities have made it clear that intimidation will not be tolerated, and this investigation continues to unfold as Setka prepares to appear in court in January.
It’s a story that touches on union leadership, accountability, and legal scrutiny, and it will be closely watched over the coming months.
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