The cynical use of these allegations, treating them as a play-thing in the service of ALP factionalism, also undermines progress in the fight against family violence. The article’s real intention is revealed by the fact that it almost exclusively draws on comment by factional opponents of the CFMEU construction division within the union movement and the ALP, including former Labor Senator Doug Cameron who has no particular connection to the issue or the CFMEU.
The Labor Party, through The Age, can see an opportunity to attack one of the country's most militant and successful unions, one that has set an example of what can be achieved through united struggle. An example is the piece by Ben Schneiders in the September 3 Age which falsely claims that Setka has “left his union a smouldering ruin”. The latest allegations and Setka's response have opened the door to opportunistic attacks on the CFMEU by people who are mostly interested in weakening the union or pushing factional agendas in the ALP. However, Setka's actions have undermined the fight to stamp out family violence and they are bad for the union. Socialist Alliance supports the right of workers to choose their own leaders free from state interference, and we will absolutely defend the CFMEU from attack by right-wing forces no matter what happens. As a result, some CFMEU members consider the latest allegations to be just another media beat-up. It is for this reason that the CFMEU is constantly criticised by bosses, the federal government, Labor politicians and the capitalist media. To then blame their partner is unacceptable.ĬFMEU members support their union leadership because of the outstanding job it does in fighting for their rights, wages and conditions. It sets a terrible example to the rest of the union movement for leaders who have been found guilty of such crimes to remain in charge, especially if they are barely repentant. Two years ago, he tried to minimise his conviction for harassment by dismissing it as being about “a few bad text messages” and “no big deal”.įamily violence must not be minimised and especially not by union leaders: too many women are blamed, not believed and in worst case scenarios, murdered. He accused his wife of causing stress to the family but made no mention of his own role. In his statements Setka attacked the media for exposing his personal life while using CFMEU platforms to garner support.
However, regardless of whether he is charged or not, Setka's decision to use the union's official communication channels, including a statement on union letterhead, to publicly blame his wife's medical history for the situation is both an inappropriate use of his position and a form of victim blaming. Morrison fails women (again): We have a right to feel safe
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