Mick Gatto Attended CFMEU Meeting After Construction Site Assaults 2026

Underworld figure Mick Gatto attended a CFMEU meeting that was called after a former union official and his colleague were seriously assaulted at a construction site, a royal commission has heard.

Paul Tzimas, a former CFMEU official, told the royal commission into the integrity of major public and civil infrastructure construction projects in Victoria that he suffered a fractured ankle and his colleague was left with a broken eye socket, damage to his teeth, severe PTSD and partial loss of vision after they were assaulted by people linked to builders and developers.

Tzimas is the first witness associated with the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union to appear before the inquiry, which is examining allegations of corruption and misconduct in Victoria's Big Build program.

What happened at the construction site?

Tzimas told the commission on Wednesday that he and a colleague were assaulted by individuals he believed were linked to an outlaw bikie gang. No details were given about where and when the assault occurred.

About a week after the assault, a meeting was called between union officials and the builders, who also arranged for Gatto to attend. Tzimas said Gatto was known to work for developers and builders to resolve issues with their projects.

Gatto later gifted Tzimas a gold bracelet, which Tzimas initially refused. The commission heard that Tzimas agreed with counsel assisting Chris Carr that the gift was inappropriate.

Why does this matter for Victoria's Big Build?

The testimony raises questions about the influence of underworld figures in the construction industry and the willingness of builders to involve them in dispute resolution. It also highlights the potential for intimidation and violence on major public projects.

The royal commission is investigating the integrity of Victoria's major public and civil infrastructure construction projects, including the multi-billion-dollar Big Build program. The inquiry has the power to compel witnesses and documents.

Tzimas left the CFMEU in January and is currently unemployed. His appearance is the first by a witness associated with the union, and further CFMEU-linked witnesses are expected to follow.

Who is affected by these allegations?

The allegations affect construction workers, union members, builders, developers and taxpayers who fund the Big Build. They also impact the reputation of the CFMEU and its ability to represent workers effectively.

The royal commission's findings could lead to regulatory changes, criminal referrals or structural reforms within the union and the construction industry. The involvement of figures like Gatto may also prompt scrutiny of security and vetting processes on major projects.

What to watch next

The commission will continue to hear evidence from witnesses associated with the CFMEU and construction industry. Gatto may be called to give evidence, and the commission will examine the circumstances of the assault and the subsequent meeting.

Further details about the assault, including the identities of the perpetrators and any links to bikie gangs, are likely to be explored. The commission's final report will make recommendations to improve integrity in the sector. The background to this story is set out in CFMEU Halted Rail Work Until Affiliated Firm Appointed, Inquiry Hears. A related thread runs through Labour Hire Firm Paid Mick Gatto $1M for Big Build Work.

• Mick Gatto attended a CFMEU meeting after a former official and colleague were assaulted.
• The former official, Paul Tzimas, suffered a fractured ankle; his colleague had severe injuries.
• Tzimas believed the attackers were linked to an outlaw bikie gang.
• Gatto later gifted Tzimas a gold bracelet, which Tzimas initially refused.
• The royal commission is examining integrity in Victoria's Big Build program.

Key details from the royal commission

The royal commission continues, with more witnesses expected to shed light on the intersection of construction, unionism and organised crime. Earlier coverage in Victorian Construction Royal Commission Could Boost Labor shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in CFMEU Influence Over Victorian Government Under Royal Commission.

FAQ

The royal commission's focus on the CFMEU and its associates is part of a broader effort to clean up Victoria's construction industry. As the inquiry progresses, the public will learn more about the tactics used to resolve disputes and the role of figures like Gatto. For a deeper look at the payments that have already been exposed, see Mick Gatto payments exposed in CFMEU inquiry over Big Build.

Allegations of large sums changing hands have also surfaced, with reports that a labour hire firm paid Gatto $1 million for Big Build work. Details of that arrangement are covered in Mick Gatto paid $1M by labour hire firm for Big Build work.

The inquiry has also heard specific evidence about payments involving a labour hire firm. That testimony is summarised in Mick Gatto payments exposed in CFMEU inquiry: labour hire firm.

For a broader overview of the CFMEU inquiry and its implications, see Mick Gatto payments exposed in CFMEU inquiry.