06:09

Crossbench senators Rex Patrick and Jacqui Lambie have issued a pointed warning to embattled construction unionist John Setka, who reportedly told a union meeting that there would be “consequences” for senators who vote with the government to facilitate deregistration of unions.



Patrick said that Centre Alliance and Lambie are giving “careful consideration” to a range of responses including referring the matter to the privileges committee, police, or inviting Setka to explain the comments to a Senate committee, explaining they will “likely” respond with a combination of all three.



Lambie said it was “completely inappropriate” to seek to influence a vote through violence or intimidation.

“The comments are entirely beyond the pale. Politics can be brutal but should never become violent ... To John: I can only appeal to whatever is left of your sense of honour and decency, and call on you to do what is plainly in the interests of your members to stand down and resign.”

