John Setka, the former long-serving leader of the CFMEU, has appeared in a Melbourne court regarding accusations that he used a telecommunications device to intimidate and insult others.

The 61-year-old was formally charged last month following a controversial Instagram post that included images of the union’s previous administrator and assistant administrator.

After his court appearance, Mr. Setka expressed strong criticisms of these administrators, referring to them as “ALP hacks” and claiming they are damaging the union.

During a session at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning, Mr. Setka asserted his intention to contest the charges against him. He was arrested last month due to an Instagram post allegedly featuring pictures of former administrator Mark Irving KC and assistant administrator Matt McGowan.

The post reportedly began with an insult directed at the individuals depicted, referring to them as a “rogue’s gallery of sh*t bags” and labeling them as “puppets” and “cowards.”

He faces charges for using a telecommunications device to menace, to offend, and for committing an indictable offense while on bail. Similar charges were brought against him in November of the previous year and February of this year.

After a brief session in court, Mr. Setka reiterated his stance on the content of his post to reporters, stating, “If I went and bombed a nightclub or attacked a family with a machete, I wouldn’t be placed in handcuffs and would be granted bail immediately. Yet, for posting the truth, they want to deny me bail and keep me locked up for four months.”

He continued with pointed remarks about Mr. Irving and Mr. McGowan, claiming, “They are leading the union to its demise, which is utterly disgraceful. They are just a group of ALP hacks ruining the union with fabrications and a multitude of lies.”

Mr. Irving has been approached for comments, while the union has opted not to issue a statement on behalf of Mr. McGowan.

Before concluding Thursday’s proceedings, the court learned that Mr. Setka has also been charged with offenses related to family violence. He informed reporters that this issue would be “heavily contested” and implied it pertains to a vehicle he asserts belongs to him.

His defense team mentioned that they had received CCTV footage related to this matter earlier that day, but had not yet had the opportunity to analyze it. It was indicated that Mr. Setka’s lawyers are seeking additional evidence from the prosecution, to which they plan to object.

His next court appearance is scheduled for October 9.

Mr. Setka led the CFMEU for over a decade before resigning in 2024 amidst allegations of connections between organized crime figures and significant construction projects under his leadership. Mark Irving was appointed as the CFMEU’s administrator in August of that year and resigned from the position in 2026.