John Setka, the former union boss, is facing a series of criminal charges. He was arrested on Wednesday morning in Footscray and will appear in court in early June. Setka is accused of issuing a Christmas Day threat to an official from the Albanese government-backed administration, which took control of the CFMEU in 2024. Victoria Police's Taskforce Hawk is also investigating allegations of criminal behavior linked to the construction industry, with Setka charged for offenses committed while on bail. Additionally, Setka has been questioned over domestic abuse allegations after taking a car from a shopping center car park, which he claims he owns. He denies any threat in the messages he sent, stating that he was expressing his opinion. Setka is already facing charges laid by Taskforce Hawk in November, relating to the use of a carriage service to menace or harass administration officials. The CFMEU has declined to comment on the matter.
