Anthony Albanese's brutal one-word response to John Setka's resignation after union boss stepped down following allegations of misconduct

Anthony Albanese has responded to the resignation of controversial union boss John Setka with a blunt and curt assessment of the news: 'Good'. 

The Prime Minister uttered the single, scathing word after Mr Setka announced late on Friday he would be stepping down as the Victorian state secretary of the powerful Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).

The controversial union boss stood down ahead of an explosive report published by Nine Newspapers which detailed allegations criminal figures were given lucrative jobs within the CFMEU and used tax-payer funded cars in criminal activities.

Mr Albanese didn't hold back as he gave his one-word assessment of Mr Setka's resignation at a press conference in Brisbane on Saturday.  

'I expelled him from the Labor Party in my first few weeks as Labor leader. That was appropriate. John Setka has no legitimate place in the Labor movement,' he said. 

'Trade Unions exist to look after workers, to look after their wages and conditions and health and safety. 

'They don't exist to engage in the sort of conduct that John Setka has clearly been engaged with. 

'It should be condemned. It should be isolated. It should be stamped out.'

The Nine Newspaper report outlines links between the CFMEU and a number of senior bikies and also included communications between Mr Setka and underworld figure Mick Gatto.

In a statement, Mr Setka claimed his decision to resign was a 'direct response' to what he called 'ongoing and relentless stories… with multiple allegations' against the union.

He had been the CFMEU Victorian secretary for more than a decade.

In his own statement, Mr Setka said the 'false allegations' did nothing but 'harm the work this great union does for its members'.

'If my stepping down can stop these malicious attacks on our members and officials and allow this great union to continue to fight for our members, for their wages and conditions, so that they go home safely to their families each day, then I'm happy,' he continued.

Mr Setka said the members of the CFMEU made him 'incredibly proud' during his four decades with the union.

It is understood union members were notified of his resignation in a short text which read: 'Brothers and sisters, John Setka steps down as Secretary of the CFMEU Victorian Branch effective immediately,' the message read.

Mr Setka was expelled from the Labor Party in 2019 over comments he allegedly made about domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty – which he denies. 

He was also convicted for harassing his ex-wife.

Mr Setka recently sparked controversy when he demanded the sacking of AFL head of umpiring Stephen McBurney, with the union boss stating he would impede AFL projects unless Mr McBurney was fired.