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In this week’s The Big Deal, former Port star Warren Tredrea talks with co-host Jack Hudson about the bizarre demand by CFMEU boss John Setka, who’s threatened to shut down AFL-related projects if the AFL doesn’t sack the new boss of AFL umpires, Stephen McBurney.
Setka has named McBurney – who led the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) before it was abolished by the Albanese government last year – as ‘anti-worker’.
The ABCC was criticised by Sekta as ‘anti-union’. He reportedly has personal issue with McBurney alleging he pursuing the union over a one-minute silence held annually to remember the West Gate Bridge collapse in Victoria that killed 35 workers in 1970.
According to multiple media reports, Setka has threatened to impose union ‘work to rule’ campaigns or shutdowns on multiple sites linked to the AFL, including a proposed new stadium in Hobart and the $100 million Thebarton Oval relocation for the Adelaide Crows. South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas has thrown his support behind the project, and has been quoted saying: “No one should get in the way of it”.
Even the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has weighed in on Setka’s extraordinary demand.
Even Anthony Albanese has called on Setka to end the campaign against the AFL, with Setka declaring the Prime Minister should “stay out of it”.
Mr McBurney hasn’t commented on the matter. Warren Tredrea discusses where it’s at.
How has the AFL responded?
The AFL is backing McBurney, an experienced lawyer and umpire:
“All projects the AFL contributes to are designed to provide better training venues for AFL and AFLW players, gender-friendly facilities and change rooms at community football clubs, and to create a more welcoming footy environment for families who make up many of the 1.2 million club members and the many more millions of fans who attend games,” the AFL said in a statement. “So we are hopeful any intended action does not impact players, supporters or the wider community who benefit from upgrades to local clubrooms and our stadiums.”
“Steve McBurney umpired 401 games, including four AFL grand finals, he has been a long-time mentor to umpires at every level and has done an outstanding job since returning to the AFL to take up the role of head of officiating.”
The AFL Umpires Association also backed McBurney, saying: “Given the recent appalling and threatening commentary from the Victorian Secretary of the CFMEU, John Setka, the AFLUA wishes to again declare its support for Stephen McBurney’s appointment to the AFL’s Head of Officiating role. In the AFLUA’s dealings and negotiations with the AFL, any differences of opinion are managed in a positive, respectful, and civil manner. With Steve as Head of Officiating, we have every confidence this relationship will continue for the betterment of umpiring.”
What could happen next?
The Albanese government and Victorian government have been criticised for not coming down harder on John Setka.
Setka was unrepentant last Wednesday when asked about the AFL’s statement.
Perhaps the feud will not outlive Setka, who announced earlier this year that he would not renominate for his role in an election later this year.
In other sports deals…
Warren Tredrea and Jack Hudson also discuss:
- How Hawk, Blake Hardwick, has ignored free agency and re-signed with hawks on five-year deal.
- Former AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has pulled out of the race to be chairman of Racing Victoria. It was rumoured he would become the new boss of Tabcorp Holdings (ASX:TAH) – his appointment as MD and CEO starting early August was confirmed this morning (June 17, 2024).
- The Boomers’ new uniform and merchandise sales.
- The French Open’s new $650 million 10-year broadcasting deal and Wimbledon prizemoney.
- The Rugby Victoria Board controversy over a $400,000 loan to the Melbourne Rebels.
- Sam Kerr’s new deal with Chelsea.
- Maverick Sports Partners acquisition of A-League Newcastle Jets Football Club.
- The money being generated as the US National Cricket Team wins against Pakistan, pushing it into the T20 World Cup knockouts.
- And, Warren Tredrea’s Slowdown charity game experiences and the risks when retired sports people get back on the field!
