Former Construction, Forestry, Maritime and Energy Union leader John Setka has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of harassment following a police investigation into alleged threatening communications.
Early Morning Arrest in Footscray
The 61-year-old former union boss was taken into custody at a Footscray property around 6:40am on Wednesday as part of a coordinated police operation. During the arrest, officers conducted a search of the premises and seized electronic devices including a mobile phone and iPad.
Victoria Police confirmed Setka faces seven separate charges of "using a telecommunications device to menace, harass and offend." The charges relate to allegedly threatening emails sent to a CFMEU administrator.
Taskforce Hawk Investigation
The police operation was conducted by Taskforce Hawk, a specialised unit established in July 2024 to address criminal behaviour within the construction industry. According to police statements, the alleged offences occurred after the administrator sent a notice to produce on October 27, followed by a subsequent letter on October 28.
"A number of allegedly threatening, offensive and abusive emails" were sent to the administrator in response to these communications, police allege.
Bail Granted for January Court Date
Setka has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on January 30. The former union leader's legal troubles come amid broader scrutiny of the construction union's activities.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O'Brien emphasised the seriousness with which authorities are treating such cases. "We will not tolerate behaviour that aims to intimidate and harass people who simply want to be able to go to work and perform their job to the best of their ability," O'Brien stated.
The senior police official encouraged anyone with information about concerning behaviour in construction workplaces to come forward, assuring that reports would be treated with "the strictest of confidence" and could be made anonymously.
Background of Union Turmoil
Setka's arrest follows his resignation earlier this year after 12 years as head of the CFMEU's Victorian branch. His departure came in the wake of a Nine Network investigation that alleged criminal links within the construction industry, including claims that major Victorian and New South Wales construction projects had been infiltrated by underworld figures and bikies acting as union delegates.
While Setka denied the allegations, he stepped down stating he wanted to stop the "barrage of stories" about the union. In mid-2024, the construction and general division of the union was placed into administration following allegations of serious misconduct, corruption and violence.
This isn't Setka's first encounter with legal challenges. He previously fought his expulsion from the Labor Party in court and was cast out months after being convicted of harassing his now estranged wife. Additionally, he faces separate legal action by the Fair Work Ombudsman over allegations he attempted to coerce the AFL into sacking its chief umpire.
Setka was also referred to police in September 2024 for appearing at government building sites to verbally attack Victorian and federal governments, though no charges resulted from those incidents.
