July 13th 2024.
The departure of outgoing CMFEU boss John Setka has caused quite a stir, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese bidding him a frosty farewell. This comes after reports have surfaced that the union has been infiltrated by alleged organized crime figures. Setka, a controversial figure in the union, announced his resignation yesterday amidst an ongoing investigation by 9News, 60 Minutes, and The Age, set to be published this weekend. The investigation is said to uncover serious misconduct by some members of the union.
When asked about Setka's abrupt resignation, Albanese didn't mince words, simply stating "Good." The prime minister then went on to express his disapproval of Setka's involvement in the Labor movement, stating that his actions should be condemned, isolated, and stamped out. It is clear that the government has no tolerance for illegal behavior within the union.
The investigation, which has been ongoing for months, has revealed that bikies and criminals have been working as delegates for the CFMEU on both state and federal projects. One shocking example involved a convicted criminal and bikie figure who was earning a government-funded salary of $250,000 while also using a Hurstbridge Line Upgrade vehicle for gang-related activities. This is just one of many underworld figures who have been linked to the union, including former Hells Angels member Luke Moloney, Hells Angel enforcer Sammy "The Turk" Erkan, and notorious figures like Mick Gatto and Johnny "Two Guns" Walker.
In light of these revelations, the news has sparked concern and action from other government officials. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has asked police to investigate potential union-bikie links in his state, while pressure is mounting on Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan to take action in response to the allegations.
Setka, on the other hand, has denied all allegations, stating "we're not a criminal organization, we're a union." He expressed frustration with the constant negative attention and scrutiny, stating that he is "sick and tired of these stories." However, despite his claims of innocence, Setka has resigned effective immediately, instead of waiting until the end of the year as previously planned. This move came after the union received detailed questions related to the investigation.
Setka's resignation marks the end of his 12-year tenure as CFMEU secretary, during which he weathered many storms. He has also faced personal challenges, including convictions for domestic violence offenses. However, he did manage to secure a significant pay rise for union members just last month.
In response to Setka's resignation, a government spokesperson made it clear that there is a zero-tolerance policy for illegal behavior and that Setka's resignation was the right decision. The controversy surrounding the union and its alleged connections to organized crime has sparked a call for action and accountability from government officials, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for the CFMEU.
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