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Inquiry examines links between Mick Gatto and construction industry payments

Published August 1, 2026 at 9:02 PM UTC

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A recent inquiry into the construction industry has heard allegations that a labour hire firm paid more than $1 million to an entity linked to Melbourne figure Mick Gatto to secure work on major government infrastructure projects. The testimony, presented during a broader investigation into the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union, suggests that these payments were intended to ensure the firm could operate on the state's 'Big Build' sites without industrial disruption. Lawyers representing the firm M Group Trades and Labour have acknowledged that their directors may have conducted business with Gatto but denied that the company acted as a front for him. The inquiry is currently scrutinizing how such arrangements might influence project costs and industrial relations within the sector. Beyond the allegations of influence, the company has also faced scrutiny for defaulting on a significant tax bill of $13.7 million. These revelations have raised questions about the oversight of contractors involved in taxpayer-funded projects and whether current procurement processes are sufficient to prevent the involvement of individuals with controversial reputations. The inquiry continues to gather evidence to determine the extent of these connections and their impact on the integrity of public infrastructure delivery.