Anthony Albanese’s brutal one-word response to John Setka’s firing after the union leader stepped down amid allegations of misconduct

Anthony Albanese responded to the firing of controversial union leader John Setka with a blunt and terse assessment of the news: “Good.”

The Premier made the one, sharp statement after Setka announced on Friday night that he would step down as Victoria’s state secretary of the powerful Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).

The controversial union leader resigned following an explosive report published by Nine Newspapers alleging that criminals were given lucrative jobs within the CFMEU and used taxpayer-funded cars for criminal activities.

Mr Albanese held no back when he gave his terse assessment of Mr Setka’s dismissal at a press conference in Brisbane on Saturday.

“I expelled him from the Labour Party in my first few weeks as leader of the Labour Party. That was right. John Setka has no legitimate place in the Labour movement,” he said.

‘Trade unions are there to look after workers, to look after their wages, working conditions and health and safety.

“They don’t exist to engage in the kind of behavior that John Setka clearly engaged in.

“It should be condemned. It should be isolated. It should be exterminated.”

Premier Anthony Albanese has responded bluntly and curtly to the news that John Setka has resigned as secretary of the CFMEU in Victoria

The Nine Newspapers report details links between the CFMEU and a number of leading motorcycle gangs, as well as communications between Mr Setka and underworld figure Mick Gatto.

In a statement, Mr Setka claimed his decision to resign was a “direct response” to what he called “ongoing and persistent stories… with multiple allegations” against the union.

He was Secretary of the CFMEU in Victoria for over ten years.

In his own statement, Mr Setka said the “false accusations” did nothing but “damage the work this great union does for its members”.

“If my resignation can put an end to these vicious attacks on our members and officers, and if this great union can continue to fight for our members, their wages and conditions, so they can go home safely to their families every day, then I will be satisfied,” he continued.

Sekta (pictured left) and his wife Emma Walters outside Melbourne Magistrates Court in 2019

Mr Setka said the members of the CFMEU had made him “incredibly proud” during his 40 years of service with the union.

Union members were reportedly informed of his resignation in a short message, which read: “Brothers and sisters, John Setka resigns as Secretary of the CFMEU Victoria Branch with immediate effect,” the message said.

Mr Setka was expelled from the Labor Party in 2019 over alleged comments he made about domestic violence activist Rosie Batty, which he denies.

He was also convicted of harassing his ex-wife.

Mr Setka recently caused controversy when he called for the resignation of Stephen McBurney, head of AFL referees. The union leader stated that he would block AFL projects if Mr McBurney was not fired.