John Setka expelled by CFMEU, denies 'misappropriating' $3.3m in union funds

Topic:UnionsPosted Wed 11 Nov 2026 at 3:18pmWed 11 Nov 2026 at 3:18pm, updated Wed 11 Nov 2026 at 3:21pmWed 11 Nov 2026 at 3:21pmJohn Setka has faced court in recent months charged over a social media post about union administration figures. (AAP: Jay Kogler)In short:Former Victorian construction union boss John Setka has been expelled from the CFMEU.The union's administrators have accused him of diverting more than $3 million of union funds to his companies.Mr Setka told the ABC the allegations were "absolute lies" and he would be taking court action to appeal his expulsion.Former Victorian CFMEU boss John Setka says an allegation from the union's administration that he misappropriated more than $3 million in member funds is "absolute bullshit" and he plans to appeal his expulsion.In a statement his afternoon, the CFMEU's administration said it had expelled Mr Setka from the organisation after he had faced 27 disciplinary charges under union rules."An investigation by the CFMEU administration alleged Setka had failed in his duty as secretary of the union and diverted $3.3 million in revenue from union merchandise and site vending machines to his companies," union administrators said in a statement.In the statement, CFMEU administrator Michael Crosby said the union would pursue Mr Setka in a bid to recover "the millions that his company has received".Mr Setka led the Victorian division of the CFMEU for several years. (AAP: Stefan Postles)"John Setka held a position of responsibility but abused that privilege to take millions of dollars from the members of the CFMEU," Mr Crosby alleged."John Setka's conduct is shameful. He has failed in the most basic duties of a union official — to put members' interests above all."The union administration said Mr Setka did not respond to them about the allegations.John Setka says allegations are 'absolute lies'The press release did not provide specifics of the alleged misappropriation and the ABC does not suggest the claims are true.When contacted by the ABC, Mr Setka said the allegation was "absolute bullshit"."I will be going to court, and I will be appealing the decision because its absolute lies and it's defamatory," he said."I have never taken one dollar of union members' money — that is an absolute lie."The CFMEU administration said Mr Setka's expulsion would take effect immediately and last for a "legal maximum term of five years".The construction arm of the CFMEU has been in administration since 2024, amid allegations of corruption and bullying in the union.In September, Mr Setka faced court over an Instagram post he allegedly made attacking union administration figures.