Former CFMEU boss John Setka, 61, has been charged with sending threatening and abusive emails to the union’s administrator. Detectives from Taskforce Hawk arrested him in Footscray, seizing his phone and iPad under a federal search warrant. Setka was charged with seven counts of using a telecommunications device to menace, harass, or offend, allegedly linked to emails sent after a legal notice was issued in October. The CFMEU was placed into administration in August 2024 amid allegations of corruption, bullying, and criminal infiltration. Setka — a prominent union figure for nearly four decades — resigned as construction division head the month before, citing pressure from negative media coverage.
He has been released on bail and will face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 30. Police said investigations into criminal behaviour in the construction industry are ongoing and emphasised that intimidation or harassment will not be tolerated. Authorities also urged anyone with information about concerning behaviour in construction workplaces to come forward, assuring the public that reports can be made anonymously and will be treated with the strictest confidence.
