Anthony Albanese has responded to the resignation of controversial union boss John Setka with a blunt and cutting assessment of the news: “Good news.”
The Prime Minister uttered that single, scathing word after Setka announced on Friday night that he would be stepping down as Victorian state secretary of the powerful Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).
The controversial union boss resigned ahead of an explosive report published by Nine Newspapers detailing allegations that criminal figures were given lucrative jobs within the CFMEU and used taxpayer-funded cars in criminal activities.
Mr Albanese did not hold back, giving his one-word assessment of Mr Setka’s resignation at a news conference in Brisbane on Saturday.
“I expelled him from the Labour Party in my first few weeks as party leader. That was appropriate. John Setka has no legitimate place in the Labour movement,” he said.
‘Unions exist to look after workers, to look after their wages and working conditions, their health and safety.
‘They do not exist to engage in the type of conduct that John Setka has clearly engaged in.
“It must be condemned, it must be isolated, it must be eradicated.”
Premier Anthony Albanese has given a strong and cutting response to the news that John Setka has resigned as secretary of the CFMEU in Victoria.
The Nine newspaper report highlights links between the CFMEU and several senior bikers and also includes communications between Mr Setka and underworld figure Mick Gatto.
In a statement, Mr. Setka said his decision to resign was a “direct response” to what he called “consistent and relentless stories … with multiple allegations” against the union.
He had been secretary of the CFMEU in Victoria for more than a decade.
In his own statement, Mr Setka said the “false accusations” did nothing but “harm the work this great union does for its members”.
“If my resignation can stop these malicious attacks on our members and officers and allow this great union to continue fighting for our members, for their wages and conditions, so that they can return home safely to their families every day, then I will be happy,” he continued.
Sekta (pictured left) and his wife Emma Walters outside Melbourne Magistrates Court in 2019
Mr Setka said CFMEU members had made him “incredibly proud” during his four decades with the union.
Union members are understood to have been notified of his resignation in a brief text which read: ‘Brothers and sisters, John Setka is resigning as Secretary of the Victorian Branch of the CFMEU with immediate effect,’ the message said.
Mr Setka was expelled from the Labour Party in 2019 over comments he allegedly made about anti-domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty, which he denies.
He was also convicted of harassing his ex-wife.
Mr Setka recently sparked controversy when he called for the sacking of AFL umpiring boss Stephen McBurney, with the union boss saying he would block AFL projects unless Mr McBurney was sacked.