Albo’s brutal response as union boss quits

Anthony Albanese has delivered a brutal response to news of the resignation of controversial union boss John Setka following allegations of misconduct: “Good.”

The Prime Minister uttered the single, scathing condemnation following Mr Setka announcing he was stepping down as the Victorian state secretary of the powerful Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) late on Friday.

It follows an explosive report published by Nine Newspapers which detailed allegations that criminal figures were being given lucrative jobs within the union.

The report also included communications between Mr Setka and underworld figure Mick Gatto.

In a statement, Mr Setka claimed his decision to resign was a “direct response” to what he called “ongoing and relentless stories … with multiple allegations” against the union.

He had held the position for more than a decade.

During a press conference in Brisbane, Mr Albanese was asked about his reaction to Mr Setka’s resignation.

He only had one thing to say: “Good.”

“I expelled him from the Labor Party in my first few weeks as Labor leader. That was appropriate,” Mr Albanese explained.

“John Setka has no legitimate place in the Labor movement.

“Trade Unions exist to look after workers, to look after their wages and conditions and health and safety. They don’t exist to engage in the sort of conduct that John Setka has clearly been engaged with.

“It should be condemned. It should be isolated. It should be stamped out.”

In his own statement, Mr Setka said the “false allegations” did nothing but “harm the work this great union does for its members”.

“If my stepping down can stop these malicious attacks on our members and officials and allow this great union to continue to fight for our members, for their wages and conditions, so that they go home safely to their families each day, then I’m happy,” he continued.

Mr Setka said the members of the CFMEU made him “incredibly proud” during his four decades with the union.

It is understood union members were notified of his resignation in a short text which read: “Brothers and sisters, John Setka steps down as Secretary of the CFMEU Victorian Branch effective immediately,” the message read.

Mr Setka was expelled from the Labor Party in 2019 over comments he allegedly made about domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty – which he has denied making.

He was also convicted for harassing his ex-wife.

Mr Setka recently sparked controversy when he demanded the sacking of AFL head of umpiring Stephen McBurney, with the union boss stating he would impede AFL projects unless Mr McBurney was fired.