John Setka's secret union deal revealed amid claims of bikies and criminals

Aug 26, 2024
John Setka is one of the most talked about people in Australia.

For over a decade, he ran the powerful and disgraced Victorian branch of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union or the CFMEU.

In July 2024 the controversial boss suddenly quit amid headlines that bikies and criminals has infiltrated the union, and serious allegations of corruption, bribery and bullying within its construction arm.

The controversial former union boss sits down with 7NEWS Melbourne’s Sharnelle Vella to tell his side of the story. Nothing is off limits as Setka is forced to confront the shocking allegations, including the extent of bikie infiltration of the union, kickbacks, accusations of domestic violence and his interactions with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

7NEWS Spotlight also reveals a secret deal Setka says was made between the union and the Federal Government. It’s a deal that ultimately blew up in his face, leaving Setka without a job and putting the construction division of the CFMEU under administration.