John Setka
John Setka is a prominent Australian union leader known for his role as the former secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). He has been a controversial figure in the labor movement, often making headlines for his outspoken views on industrial relations and his defense of union members. Recently, he was in the news for defending underworld figure Mick Gatto on Neil Mitchell’s podcast, while also addressing allegations against him regarding attempts to force AFL umpiring boss Stephen McBurney out of his position.
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Recent news mentions
John Setka is a former CFMEU secretary who has been associated with Mick Gatto.
Mick Gatto at yacht party with union leaders Earl Setches and Peter Marshall, Cbus appointment investigated
Australia· 2026-02-19
John Setka is a former CFMEU state secretary who has faced serious allegations.
Islamic State brides turned around in Syria; Coalition immigration policy leaked; Ritchies IGA urges government to cut tobacco exciseAustralia· 2026-02-17
John Setka is the former leader of the CFMEU, criticized for leading the union into corruption.
CFMEU report findings from Geoffrey Watson expose bribery, drugs, organised crime and moreAustralia· 2026-02-11
Former CFMEU boss John Setka has been charged with attempting to threaten or intimidate the union’s government-appointed administrator.
John Setka, disgraced former CFMEU boss, arrested and chargedAustralia· 2025-11-12
Setka’s statement reveals he was told in July last year by the Echo 'anti-bikie taskforce' that they had become aware of threats against him.
CFMEU administrator scrambles to seize back Setka’s $1 million slush fundAustralia· 2025-10-27
John Setka is a key member of the Croatian faction within the CFMEU and was previously the union boss.
CFMEU insider Charles Farrugia blows whistle on reality of construction unionAustralia· 2025-10-25
John Setka is a former CFMEU boss known for his controversial leadership.
Union boss promoted to help clean up construction corruption is fired over accusations of secret benefitsAustralia· 2025-10-24
John Setka was one of the union’s leaders who faced sackings or resignations across the country.
CFMEU boss Zach Smith organised meeting with Mick GattoAustralia· 2025-10-02
John Setka is mentioned as one of the union bosses who received a gift from Mick Gatto.
Mick Gatto gifts of gold jewellery to officials were clear breach, says administratorAustralia· 2025-07-28
John Setka is described as a try-hard by Jonny Walker after he abandoned his post as Victorian secretary.
Ex-bikie Jonny “Two Guns” Walker calls John Setka a ‘try-hard’, blasts former CFMEU bosses,Australia· 2025-06-01
John Setka was dismissed from the Labor Party by Anthony Albanese within weeks of him becoming Labor leader.
Mick Gatto blasts CFMEU ‘falsehoods’, flags lawsuit against Peter DuttonAustralia· 2025-03-24
Former union boss John Setka was also on the Incolink board until July last year.
CFMEU-aligned fund receives $5.5m grant to encourage women in constructionAustralia· 2025-03-19
John Setka is a former Victorian secretary convicted for harassing his wife in 2019.
Victorian government pay CFMEU almost $3m in three years despite scandalsAustralia· 2025-03-18John Setka has claimed he is being unfairly prosecuted for allegedly trying to force AFL umpiring boss and former regulator Stephen McBurney out of a job.
John Setka defends Mick Gatto on Neil Mitchell’s podcastAustralia· 2025-03-04
