# John Setka legal and union disciplinary issues

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/john-setka-legal-and-union-disciplinary-issues
> Updated: 2026-11-11T02:49:34.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

John Setka, the former leader of the CFMEU construction union, has faced a series of legal and professional challenges. Initially, Setka faced criminal accusations involving the stalking and terrorising of his wife, though he maintained a defiant stance against his critics.

Following these developments, the CFMEU expelled Setka after he was hit with 27 disciplinary charges. He is accused of misappropriating more than $3 million in union funds by allegedly diverting revenue from merchandise sales and building site vending machines to his own companies. Forensic inquiries reportedly suggest that a private political slush fund controlled by Setka received over $400,000 from Coca-Cola Amatil as part of the larger sum. Setka, who resigned as secretary in July 2024, has previously denied all allegations of misconduct.

## Claims

- John Setka has been expelled from the CFMEU. (reported by 3 sources)
- Setka faces 27 disciplinary charges under the union’s disciplinary process. (reported by 3 sources)
- Setka is alleged to have misappropriated more than $3 million in union funds. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Kourakis royal commission is investigating the conduct of the union and the state Labor government regarding the $109 billion Big Build scheme. (reported by 3 sources)
- A Setka-controlled slush fund received over $400,000 from Coca-Cola Amatil. (reported by 2 sources)
- The slush fund earned more than $3 million from building site vending machine deals and CFMEU merchandise. (reported by 2 sources)
- Setka has denied all allegations of misconduct. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-11: John Setka expelled from CFMEU over alleged fund misappropriation

Former CFMEU leader John Setka has been expelled from the union facing 27 disciplinary charges, including allegations he misappropriated over $3 million in funds.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/john-setka-expelled-from-cfmeu-over-alleged-fund-misappropriation

### 2026-10-24: John Setka faces criminal allegations amid union scrutiny

CFMEU construction union chief John Setka remains defiant following criminal allegations of stalking and terrorising his wife.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/john-setka-faces-criminal-allegations-amid-union-scrutiny

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Cite as: John Setka legal and union disciplinary issues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/john-setka-legal-and-union-disciplinary-issues