Magistrate refuses to broaden John Setka's social media bail conditions
Police bid to extend the former union boss's bail restrictions to all posts was rejected; magistrate warned him only to be cautious.
Police tried to extend John Setka's bail restrictions to cover all social media posts. A Melbourne magistrate refused.
The 62-year-old former construction union boss can only be restricted from posts about CFMEU leaders. Prosecutors pointed to Instagram posts from August and October.
Setka called an assistant leader a moron and criticised his wife's salary. Setka's barrister argued the posts were opinions, not threats, and police were trying to gag him.
The magistrate agreed, saying Setka could use social media but should be cautious. His case returns to court in December.
- 62 years old
- Age
- November 2025
- Charges filed
- December
- Court date
Why it mattersThe ruling tests the balance between protecting people from online harassment and preserving free speech rights.
AustraliaAffects how Australian courts weigh free speech against protections from online abuse in high-profile legal cases.
