Former CFMEU boss John Setka has embarrassed both Victorian and federal governments by showing up unannounced at their new development and lashing out at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Weeks after resigning in the wake of allegations aired by 60 Minutes and Nine newspapers that underworld figures and bikie gang members had infiltrated the union, Setka made a surprise appearance at Footscray Hospital, one of the state’s biggest projects.
“My job is to protect the union and its members. I’m going to be gone in a few months. They want a scalp, f—ing I’ll give them a scalp, I don’t give a shit,” he said to the crowd.
Setka then took aim at Albanese.
“You know, people sort of asked why I resigned and I’m going to be honest with youse, f—ing Albo, and his f—ing bullshit,” he said.
His comments appear to be a reference to claims the federal government had promised the union would avoid administration if he resigned.
Albanese has maintained that never happened but wouldn’t comment today about the former union secretary’s comments.
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claims otherwise.
”The prime minister and Tony Burke and the whole of the Labor Party have been happy to take millions of dollars from the CFMEU over a long period of time and to close their eyes and block their ears as to the criminal activity that’s taken place,” he said.
Premier Jacinta Allan has previously promised to clean up CFMEU worksites.
But Setka’s speech today caught her by surprise.
“I’m not going to give comment in the running on an incident I’ve not been briefed on,” she said.
Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto lined up to slam Setka’s appearance as an embarrassment.
“Isn’t it reassuring to know that Victoria’s public hospitals and the rebuild of our public hospitals is in the safe hands of Dr John Setka,” he said.
Multiplex, the lead contractor of the site, told 9News they were unaware of and did not authorise Setka’s appearance.
“He has now left site and we are investigating how he gained access,” the company said.
