Underworld figure Mick Gatto attended CFMEU meeting after construction site assaults

Paul Tzimas, a former official with the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), has become the first witness from the union to testify before a royal commission investigating integrity issues in Victoria's major infrastructure projects. During his appearance on Wednesday, Tzimas detailed a violent altercation at a construction site that resulted in significant injuries to himself and a colleague.

Tzimas reported that he suffered a fractured ankle, while his colleague sustained a broken eye socket, dental damage, vision loss, and severe PTSD. While specific details regarding the timing and location of the incident were not provided, Tzimas noted his belief that the assailants were linked to an outlaw bikie gang. He further testified that approximately one week after the assault, a meeting was convened between union officials and the builders involved in the project. Notably, the builders arranged for the attendance of Underworld figure Mick Gatto.

A former union official testified that underworld figure Mick Gatto attended a meeting following a violent assault.

Connections to the Underworld figure Mick Gatto

Tzimas explained that Gatto was known for working with developers and builders to resolve project-related disputes. During his testimony, Tzimas revealed that Gatto had gifted him a gold bracelet. Although Tzimas initially declined the gift, citing concerns that it could be perceived as inappropriate for a union official to accept items from the other side, he eventually accepted it after Gatto framed it as an "olive branch" intended to foster friendship rather than earn favors. Tzimas acknowledged that other union officials had also received similar gold bracelets from Gatto.

The inquiry also questioned Tzimas regarding the union's practice of providing employment letters to individuals with criminal records. He admitted that the union had assisted a man convicted of manslaughter in seeking parole by offering him employment, noting that the man's father was a union delegate. Furthermore, when presented with a list of 15 men, Tzimas confirmed that 11 of them were union members with alleged affiliations to bikie gangs.

The commission is currently focusing its November hearings on the level crossing removal project at Gap Road in Sunbury. Tzimas confirmed he had been involved in union action at that site, which led to a work stoppage and subsequent negotiations at CFMEU headquarters in June 2022. The hearing, overseen by Commissioner Christopher Kourakis, remains ongoing.

Why it matters

The testimony highlights significant concerns regarding the integrity of major public infrastructure projects in Victoria and the influence of external figures on union-builder relations. These revelations regarding violence and alleged underworld involvement impact the transparency of the construction industry and the safety of its workforce.