Controversial CFMEU boss John Setka has resigned amid a series of allegations about misconduct in the organisation.
The union announced the decision on the eve of the release of the first part of a months-long investigation by The Age and Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes.
The CFMEU said the decision had been made following ‘ongoing and relentless stories written with multiple allegations whether true or not about this great union’.
Setka said he had proudly served the union in the capacity of an official for close to 40 years and as secretary for the past 12 years.
‘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.
‘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.
‘To the members of the CFMEU, you have made me incredibly proud, and it has been an honour and privilege to be your secretary, for that I say thank you.’
Setka said he would leave the union in the capable hands of the national office and the Victorian branch executive.
Controversial CFMEU boss John Setka (pictured in October, 2019) has resigned amid a series of allegations about misconduct in the organisation
Setka garnered a dedicated following and significant influence during his time in the role while also being involved in a string of controversies.
His union leadership came into question in 2019 when then-opposition leader Anthony Albanese moved to expel him from the Labor Party over accusations he said family violence campaigner Rosie Batty’s advocacy had led to men having fewer rights.
Mr Setka rejected the allegations and fought his expulsion from the party in court but was cast out months after being convicted of harassing his now estranged wife.
In recent weeks, Mr Setka piled pressure on the AFL to sack its chief umpire and threatened to delay work on the league’s construction sites if the sport failed to give in to his demands.
The 59-year-old criticised the AFL for hiring Stephen McBurney, the former head of the now-defunct industrial watchdog the Australian Building and Construction Commission.
In June, Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke signalled a proposed union demerger bill that would allow the manufacturing division of the CFMEU to split from the broader organisation if supported by a vote.
Mr Setka’s time in the top role also coincided with the public breakdown of his marriage to Emma Walters.
Ms Walters was in December 2023 found guilty of threatening to kill Mr Setka in ‘out of the blue’ comments to a private investigator.
