John Setka, the face the Construction, Forestry, Maritime and Energy Union (CFMEU), has resigned amid serious allegations of misconduct involving himself and the union. 

The resignation followed a comprehensive media investigation which revealed significant underworld infiltration into major construction projects in Victoria and New South Wales, implicating bikies and notorious criminals.

The investigation revealed that senior bikie figures and criminals have secured influential roles within the CFMEU, often working on publicly funded projects. 

Secret surveillance and audio recordings exposed the involvement of these underworld figures in the construction industry, particularly within Victoria’s $100 billion Big Build infrastructure program.

Setka announced his resignation in response to mounting media scrutiny.

“These stories have been constant, and while I’ve been the target of many of them, enough is enough. 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 said.

The investigation showed members of organised crime groups, acting as CFMEU delegates, have been employed on federal and state government-funded projects. 

In one notable instance, a bikie and convicted criminal was found to have served as a CFMEU health and safety official on the Hurstbridge rail line upgrade, earning an estimated $250,000 each year. 

The man allegedly used a car provided for worker safety checks for bikie gang activities, further illustrating the extent of criminal infiltration.

In Sydney, CFMEU officials reportedly pushed union-preferred labour hire companies, backed by organised crime, onto major construction sites. Despite warnings from law enforcement, this practice continued, enabling crime to flourish within the industry.

In response, CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith has asserted the union’s zero-tolerance stance on criminality.

“If there is credible evidence of delegates or officials committing crimes, we will report them. If allegations are proven, people will be thrown out,” he said. 

He also emphasised the union’s belief in second chances and the importance of stable jobs for rehabilitation. 

“Mistakes in your past do not mean a lifetime disqualification from serving the members of our union,” he said. 

However, former Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Ney criticised the ongoing corruption and criminality within the CFMEU, describing it as “endemic, unchecked and fuelled by certain union figures”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Setka’s resignation.

“John Setka has no legitimate place in the Labor movement,” he said. 

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

Federal Workplace Minister Tony Burke indicated over the weekend that the government is considering measures to address the alleged corruption within the CFMEU, including the possibility of deregistering its construction division. 

The investigation has ongoing implications, with revelations about high-level corruption expected to continue. 

The CFMEU is set to hold crisis talks, and further actions are anticipated to address the union's internal issues and external influences.