New Charges and Arrest
John Setka, the former head of the Victorian branch of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime and Energy Union (CFMEU), has been arrested and charged for the third time by Victoria Police’s Taskforce Hawk. The 61-year-old was taken into custody at his home in Footscray on Friday morning following allegations of harassing and threatening communications sent online.
According to a Victoria Police spokesperson, Setka faces charges of using a telecommunications device to menace, using a telecommunications device to offend, and two counts of committing an indictable offence while on bail. These charges stem from comments allegedly posted by the former union leader on Monday, August 10, 2026.
Context of Taskforce Hawk Investigations
Taskforce Hawk was established in mid-2024 to investigate allegations of criminal behavior within Victoria’s construction industry, including corruption, organized crime, and links to outlaw motorcycle gangs. The unit, which transitioned into a formal taskforce in June 2025, was formed in response to investigative reporting that exposed deep-seated issues within the union. The Albanese government subsequently placed the CFMEU into administration to address these concerns.
Setka, who stepped down as Victorian CFMEU secretary in July 2024 after 12 years in the role, has been a frequent subject of the taskforce’s inquiries. His legal troubles began in November 2025 when he was first charged with seven counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass, and offend the government-appointed administrator, Mark Irving, KC. A second set of charges followed in February 2026, relating to alleged threats made against an official from the administration on Christmas Day.
Legal Stakes and Defense
The current charges carry significant weight, particularly as two of the counts involve alleged indictable offenses committed while Setka was already on bail. Additionally, police have confirmed that an intervention order (IVO) was served on the former union boss on July 19, 2026, following reports of previous threats. Setka is expected to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to address these latest allegations.
In previous public statements regarding the ongoing legal proceedings, Setka has denied threatening anyone, characterizing the prosecution as politically motivated. He has publicly criticized the behavior of the government-appointed administrators, suggesting that those involved in the industry should “toughen up” rather than seek police intervention.