John Setka, the former secretary of the Victorian-Tasmanian division of the CFMEU, has been referred to police for making unauthorized visits to construction sites. Expelled from the Labor Party in 2019, Setka resigned from his union office amid allegations of misconduct. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the news, stating that Setka had no place in the Labor movement.
Despite no longer holding a union position, Setka delivered a profanity-laden speech criticizing the government and the ACTU at a rally in Footscray Hospital. He also accessed the Metro Tunnel project without permission. The state government has demanded an explanation from Multiplex, the company overseeing the hospital project, regarding Setka’s presence.
Setka accused Labor of breaking a deal to prevent the CFMEU from going into administration. The federal government has denied this claim and has taken steps to reform the union following allegations of misconduct. The Victorian Premier has referred Setka’s actions to the police, emphasizing that there is no place for him on construction sites in Victoria.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is investigating potential breaches of the Fair Work Act related to Setka’s site access. The CFMEU administrators have clarified that Setka no longer represents the union after his resignation.
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