7NEWS Spotlight S2024E15 - John Setka

It was 60 Minutes which broke a recent story on the CFMEU but it will be 7NEWS Spotlight which hears from the man at the centre, when John Setka breaks his silence to reporter Sharnelle Vella.

John Setka is one of the most talked about people in Australia.

For over a decade, he ran the powerful and disgraced Victorian branch of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union or the CFMEU.

Last month the controversial boss suddenly quit amid headlines that bikies and criminals has infiltrated the union, and serious allegations of corruption, bribery and bullying within its construction arm.

The controversial former union boss sits down with 7NEWS Melbourne's Sharnelle Vella to tell his side of the story. Nothing is off limits as Setka is forced to confront the shocking allegations, including the extent of bikie infiltration of the union, kickbacks, accusations of domestic violence and his interactions with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

7NEWS Spotlight will also reveal a secret deal Setka says was made between the union and the Federal Government. It's a deal that ultimately blew up in his face, leaving Setka without a job and putting the construction division of the CFMEU under administration.

Also on 7NEWS Spotlight, the rise and rise of true crime podcasts and how they are exposing appalling police failings and helping solve cold cases.

More than 2,500 Australians are classed as "long-term missing persons" and in the case of Bronwyn Whitfield, it's been three long decades. Now, a podcast has shed new light on the case, revealing new evidence which could finally lead to answers for her family.

7NEWS Spotlight's Sarah Greenhalgh has tracked down the man at the centre of the investigation.