Barristers Clash Over Mick Gatto and Gangland Figures at CFMEU Inquiry in Brisbane
In a significant inquiry taking place in Brisbane, lawyer Geoffrey Watson SC has stood firm on his allegations regarding the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) and its connections to notorious Melbourne figure Mick Gatto. Watson, who authored the report titled "Rotting from the Top," has accused Gatto of controlling a network of labour-hire companies through intermediaries, a claim he reiterated during a tense cross-examination. The inquiry has highlighted a troubling culture of violence, intimidation, and corruption within the union, particularly in its Queensland and Victorian branches. The courtroom drama intensified as Watson faced aggressive questioning from Simon Wilson KC, representing M1 Trades Group, a firm allegedly linked to Gatto. Watson's report suggests that Gatto's denials of ownership over certain companies are "transparently false," and he has refused to retract any of his findings. The inquiry has revealed that M1 Traffic Control Qld Pty Ltd, a newly established company on the Gold Coast, is owned by individuals closely associated with Gatto, further complicating the narrative surrounding these allegations. Tensions escalated during the proceedings, with both barristers engaging in a heated exchange that prompted intervention from Commissioner Stuart Wood KC. Watson expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the Victorian government regarding his report, which has sparked political controversy, including the recent ousting of former Premier Jacinta Allen. The inquiry has also faced scrutiny over Watson's research methods, with critics questioning the reliability of his findings due to his reliance on handwritten notes and the absence of recorded interviews. Despite the challenges, Watson remains resolute, asserting that the evidence supports his claims of corruption within the CFMEU. As the inquiry unfolds, it continues to shed light on the complex and often murky intersections of labor, politics, and organized crime in Australia.
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