60 Minutes Australia

Building Bad (2024x24)

Air date: Jul 14, 2024

As a boss of the militant CFMEU for 12 years, John Setka was as tough and feared a union leader as Australia has ever seen. In that time, he made plenty of noise, but late on Friday afternoon, with barely a whimper, he suddenly quit. What Setka didn't mention in his resignation announcement was his decision to stand down followed his refusal to answer questions put to him by 60 Minutes, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Financial Review. Reporter Nick McKenzie had wanted Setka to explain why his Victorian construction branch had been infiltrated by underworld figures and outlaw motorcycle gang members. In leaving, Setka said he hoped his resignation would end further scrutiny of the CFMEU, but McKenzie's report, which has been nine months in the making, will only enhance calls for more investigation into the menacing ways of this out-of-control union.