Five years ago, the head of Australia’s union movement demanded Setka’s resignation. What happened next allowed him to not only survive, but thrive.
Sally McManus could not have been more direct this week as she spoke directly to the TV cameras and said there was no place for organised crime and corruption in trade unions.
That reporting in June 2019 - based on leaks from the union’s national executive and elsewhere - also included Setka defending his friendship with underworld figure Mick Gatto and his remarks claiming Rosie Batty’s advocacy had diminished men’s rights. The Batty comments became a rolling national drama, overshadowing the serious nature of his conduct.In 2019 McManus and ACTU president Michele O’Neil had faced intense pressure over what to do.
These backers have been described by senior union figures as Setka’s ‘enablers’ and deserve significant criticism for the crisis that has risked the future of the CFMEU and by default the wages and conditions of tens of thousands of workers. The damage to the union movement and Labor has been substantial.
There was also the silence from many who gained factional and financial benefit over the years from Setka’s union in the Labor Party, particularly in Victoria, where its political and industrial strength has grown significantly since 2019 and it has managed to displace the rival Australian Workers Union on big infrastructure projects.It’s not just Labor. The Greens have received donations in the past from the construction division and have been unusually quiet about Setka over the years.
Yet, on Friday, July 12, that whole edifice came crashing down when Setka ended his 12-year reign after being sent questions from the joint investigation by this masthead,The power vacuum this created appeared to confuse the response from remaining officials and cruel attempts by new national secretary Zach Smith to assume control of Setka’s former branch, which also covers Tasmania and South Australia.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The backers who allowed John Setka’s rise to ultimate powerFive years ago, the head of Australia’s union movement demanded Setka’s resignation. What happened next allowed him to not only survive, but thrive.
Read more »
The backers who allowed John Setka’s rise to ultimate powerFive years ago, the head of Australia’s union movement demanded Setka’s resignation. What happened next allowed him to not only survive, but thrive.
Read more »
China is installing the wind and solar equivalent of five large nuclear power stations per weekWhile Australia debates the merits of going nuclear and frustration grows over the slower-than-needed switch to solar and wind power, China's renewables rollout is breaking all the records.
Read more »
Five Great Reads: Steve Bannon, curing insomnia, and the dressing-gown DJGuardian Australia’s weekend wrap of essential reads from the past seven days, selected by Kris Swales
Read more »
Daniel Handler AKA Lemony Snicket: ‘I return to Toni Morrison’s Beloved every five years’The Unfortunate Events author on getting nightmares from Dr Seuss, Raymond Chandler’s brawny wit and the ghost story he read to tatters
Read more »
From Dave Grohl to Charli XCX: Five ways to maximise a pop feud in 2024In today’s saturated pop landscape, feuds are a proven way to boost yourself to viral stardom. Here’s how it’s done.
Read more »