Underworld figure Mick Gatto involved after union assaults inquiry hears

Former Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union official Paul Tzimas told a royal commission that underworld figure Mick Gatto attended a meeting following serious assaults at a construction site. The Guardian reported that Paul Tzimas was the first witness linked to the union to give evidence before the royal commission examining the integrity of major public and civil infrastructure construction projects in Victoria. [1]

The Guardian reported that Paul Tzimas suffered a fractured ankle during the site assault, while a colleague sustained major injuries and severe post-traumatic stress disorder. According to ABC News Australia and The Australian, the royal commission also examined a work stoppage at a level crossing removal project in northern Melbourne contracted to the John Holland construction company. [1][2][3][4]

ABC News Australia reported that a state government minister's office decided contractor John Holland would not win public sector work unless it conceded to union demands. ABC News Australia added that the inquiry heard John Holland was promised it would be looked at favourably for future projects if it aligned with the union. [2]

Mick Gatto is an Australian mediator in the Victorian building industry, a boxer, and a former debt collector. He was previously named as a standover man during the Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry and received a lifetime gaming ban after an initial ten-year ban in 2004. [5]