Former CFMEU Boss John Setka Investigated for Unlawful Site Visits

The Victorian government has referred two instances of former CFMEU boss John Setka attending construction sites to Victoria Police for investigation.

Premier Jacinta Allan informed the public that Mr. Setka’s presence at these sites was deemed unlawful. She stated, “I have been advised that John Setka’s attendance on those worksites was unlawful.”

Recent video footage showed Mr. Setka delivering a speech to workers at the Footscray Hospital construction site, and he has also been reported to have visited Metro Tunnel construction sites.

In July, Mr. Setka stood down as secretary of the Victorian CFMEU, following the federal government’s decision to place the union’s construction arm into administration. This action resulted in the removal of 270 union officers from volunteer positions and 11 from paid jobs.

Premier Allan emphasized that there is no place for Mr. Setka on any Victorian construction site, stating, “There is no place on Victorian big-build worksites for John Setka. He stood down from the union, as he should have, and there is no place for him on our worksites.”

The director general has already communicated with contractors on large infrastructure projects in Victoria, reminding them that only authorized personnel are permitted on-site. Premier Allan remarked on the situation, calling it “unacceptable that those processes clearly have not been followed appropriately.”

Multiplex, the organization overseeing the Footscray Hospital construction site, stated that it was unaware of Mr. Setka’s unauthorized appearance and is investigating how he gained access to the site.

Additionally, the Fair Work Ombudsman has acknowledged awareness of allegations regarding former CFMEU officials attending construction sites and is currently looking into these claims to determine if any violations of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) have occurred.