Full Breakdown
Luba Grigorovitch's Cabinet Promotion Sparks Controversy Over Union Ties
4/14/2026, 12:55:18 PM
Cabinet Reshuffle and Promotion of Luba Grigorovitch
Luba Grigorovitch, the newly appointed cabinet minister and member for Kororoit, has faced significant scrutiny following her promotion by the Victorian Labor caucus. Alongside Grigorovitch, Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke, Eureka MP Michaela Settle, and Box Hill MP Paul Hamer were also elevated to cabinet positions after several ministers announced their decision not to recontest in the upcoming November election. Grigorovitch's ties to John Setka, the former leader of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), have drawn particular criticism, with opposition figures labeling her appointment as "appalling."
Background on John Setka and Union Controversies
John Setka resigned from the CFMEU in mid-2024 amid allegations of corruption and claims that the union had become a "crime syndicate." These allegations were highlighted in a report commissioned by a federal government administrator following an investigation into the infiltration of bikies and underworld figures in state government projects. Setka has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Grigorovitch, who was the first woman and youngest state secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), has maintained a close friendship with Setka, who attended her wedding in 2023.
Official Statements and Responses
Grigorovitch has publicly defended her relationship with Setka, stating, “I have no regrets whatsoever... I very proudly stood up for workers' rights day in, day out.” She emphasized her commitment to her role as a minister and her dedication to the community, despite the backlash. Premier Jacinta Allan defended the new cabinet members, dismissing the criticisms from opposition figures as "petty" and "childish."
Criticism from Opposition
The shadow attorney general, Liberal MP James Newbury, has been particularly vocal in his opposition to Grigorovitch's promotion. He questioned her fitness for ministerial duties due to her past associations with Setka, stating, “The judgment that Jacinta Allan has shown by putting her into cabinet is shocking.” Newbury's remarks reflect broader concerns within the opposition regarding the implications of Grigorovitch's ties to a controversial figure in the union movement.
Grigorovitch's Stance on Friendship with Setka
In response to inquiries about her friendship with Setka, Grigorovitch has stated that she does not abandon her friends during difficult times, although she acknowledged that she has not spoken to him in a long time. When pressed about whether she would take a call from Setka, she indicated that it would depend on the nature of the call.
What's Next for the New Cabinet?
As the new ministers prepare to assume their roles, Premier Jacinta Allan is expected to announce their specific portfolios. The cabinet reshuffle comes at a critical time for the Victorian Labor Party, as it seeks to navigate the challenges posed by the opposition's criticisms and the ongoing scrutiny of its ties to the union movement.
