TURC & the FWBC : As Cummo said: 'Let’s deal with facts and not with fiction'. Setka & Reardon Here to Stay #CFMEU pic.twitter.com/jwjCoj6fRq

— CFMEUWA (@CFMEUWA) February 24, 2016

Here's our reporter on the spot at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court, Bill Thompson.

FINAL UPDATE FOR THE DAY - 1630

The afternoon session went from 3pm to 4pm, featuring mainly disputes over which witnesses can be cross-examined. Our learned friends, Richter & Clelland, seem concerned about the recorded phone conversations - it seems that Boral had a process for recording all incoming & outgoing calls but there is a question whether everyone was informed of the recordings. Mr Richter said words to the effect that there may have been deceptive conduct by Boral in this regard. Presumably this may effect the admissibility of recordings of conversations involving the
accused. Richter, for Mr Setka, also advanced that a planned witness - Mr Van Camp (spelling?) - "is an architect for the destruction of the CFMEU", who has had Mr Setka in his sights for a long time.

Mag R set down a 13 day hearing, to begin on 2 November, with leave granted to cross-examine witnesses per the Form 32. Any claims re LPP are to be resolved at a special mention, at least a month before 2 November.

Cheers,

Bill T
Sent from my iPad

This audio update recorded about 2.35PM

THIS REPORT ABOUT 11AM

10.25AM

Magistrate Rozencwajg just allowed a request from Robert Richter for a 1 hour delay pending discussions with the prosecution. Setka, Dave Noonan & about 15 fans had just trooped into the court & they then all trooped out again. 2 mins, start to finish. No demonstrators outside this morning.

Backgrounder

Victorian CFMEU boss John Setka and his deputy Shaun Reardon will continue to fight blackmail charges. The CFMEU pair were charged with blackmail in December, accused of blackmailing two executives from concrete supplier Boral, in an alleged bid to cause loss to construction giant Grocon. A sea of protesting construction workers caused traffic chaos in Melbourne's court precinct during their first court appearance relating to the matter late last year. It is not known if similar protests are planned for Tuesday when the duo will front the Melbourne Magistrates Court.