John Setka (born September 1964) is an Australian trade unionist. He is secretary of the Victorian-Tasmanian division of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union, which also administers the South Australian division under a temporary arrangement. He is a controversial figure in the Australian trade union movement. He is known for his strong support at a grassroots level, especially among the rank and file of the CFMMEU. His supporters regard him as a strong advocate against political, legal, and industrial opponents; the national secretary of the union, Christy Cain has called him one of the "most fair dinkum union people in this country". On the other hand, Setka's political opponents have derided him as a bully, and criticized his purported stance that is can be necessary to break the law to pursue union interests. He has also faced strong criticism for alleged public remarks on the topic of domestic violence, and a guilty plea for harassing his ex-wife via text, issues that contributed to his formal expulsion from the Australian Labor Party in 2019. In recent years Setka's personal life has been the subject of considerable media attention. His marital breakdown, and associated legal issues, have led to additional public criticism. Early life and education John Setka was born to a Croatian family. His father was a labourer named Bob Setka, who survived the West Gate Bridge collapse in 1970, one worst industrial accidents caused by employer negligence in Victoria's history. Setka began working as a labourer at the age of 19. He began involvement with trade unionism first after joining the Builders Labourers Federation. He was mentored by state secretary John Cummins. Union Career Under John's leadership, media commentators have noted the "pervasive power of the CFMEU over construction companies". In 2012 he unsuccessfully attempted to sue the opposition leader Tony Abbott in defamation after Abbott called him a thug. In 2015, Setka encouraged workers within the Rail, Tram and Bus Union to strike during the Australian Football League finals to "use finals fever to their advantage in their bitter industrial fight with Metro Trains and Yarra Trams". The decision was criticised by Victorian Labor minister Jacinta Allan due to the strike's impact on businesses. Setka openly criticised the former prime minister Kevin Rudd in 2018. During a speech, he said: 'he's one of the worst fucking Labor PMs we've ever had ... (because) ... he kept the