The CFMEU is looking to flood the Australian Labor Party to increase its political influence. 

John Setka, leader of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), has announced a strategy to boost the union's sway within the Labor Party at both the Victorian and federal levels. 

At a recent gathering of 625 union delegates, Setka revealed plans to enrol 1,000 new Labor Party members from the union’s ranks.

Union insiders say Setka urged delegates to personally finance their party memberships and recruit additional members from construction sites. 

This strategy aims to reshape Labor's internal dynamics, potentially controlling candidate preselections and influencing policy at party conferences.

The move could notably alter the balance of power within Labor.

“A powerful union whose members are very loyal to them scares the bejesus out of the other factions,” a senior Labor Party member is alleged to have told reporters.

However, the CFMEU’s plan may not be felt in the 2026 state elections, as new members would only gain voting rights after two years, possibly missing the deadline for influencing upcoming preselections.

CFMEU’s influence in politics is seen as a way to extend its reach beyond industrial action on construction sites. 

Setka, who will step down following union elections this August, views this as an opportunity to impact policy directly. 

This development follows after controversial ties and actions, including threats by the CFMEU to ban MPs from construction sites over proposed legislation changes, highlighting ongoing tensions between traditional union values and current party policies. 

John Setka's move mirrors past efforts by union leaders to secure greater influence within the Labor Party, aiming to shift the party's focus back to ‘core labour values’ and away from more progressive agendas.