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John Setka, the former head of the Victorian branch of the CFMEU, has been arrested again, marking the second time in recent months that he faces legal troubles. This time, the charges stem from allegedly sending harassing messages to an official within the CFMEU administration.
Police apprehended Setka at his residence, charging him with using a carriage service to harass someone and committing an indictable offense while on bail.
Authorities claim that the 61-year-old sent a harassing message to a CFMEU staff member on Christmas Day of last year.
This latest arrest adds to previous legal issues, as Setka was first charged on November 12, 2025, with seven counts related to using a telecommunications device to intimidate, harass, and offend.
Subsequently, on December 5, he faced additional charges of two counts for using a telecommunications device to offend.
The ex-union boss quit the CFMEU in July 2024 following explosive allegations of criminal conduct made in a joint investigation by 60 Minutes and The Age.
He has always denied all allegations of misconduct.
The CFMEU was plunged into administration by the federal government one month after Setka’s resignation following claims of bikie and organised crime figures infiltrating the union.
Barrister Mark Irving KC was appointed as the union’s administrator to oversee its financial, legal and business affairs.
The union could remain under administration for up to five years.
Setka has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 3, 2026. 
Speaking to The Age in relation to today’s charges, Setka denied sending a harassing message on Christmas Day.
“People should just toughen up and drink a bit of concrete and harden up a bit…it is the building industry,” Setka said.