Queensland's recent action against a suspected front company for gangland figure Mick Gatto has intensified scrutiny on Allan, the Victorian Premier. The move, which could result in the company losing its operating license, was prompted by a major Queensland inquiry into the CFMEU. The inquiry's commissioner, Stuart Wood, and senior counsel, Patrick Wheelahan, held a press conference outside the company's Brisbane offices, highlighting concerns about its potential links to Gatto. The commission referred to a report by corruption-busting lawyer Geoffrey Watson, which found M Group, a well-known front company for Gatto, and suggested a new company in Queensland was similarly linked. Wood emphasized that no findings had been made, but appealed for information, promising confidentiality and procedural fairness. Wheelahan expressed concerns about the potential for Victoria's Big Build experience, where Watson estimated $15 billion was misspent, to be repeated in Queensland ahead of the 2032 Olympics. The move underscores the Victorian authorities' decision to allow M Group to continue operating in the state, despite the M Group's licensing in Victoria and its connections to Gatto. The Watson report, presented to the inquiry, detailed Gatto's ownership of several companies within the M Group and alleged favorable treatment from the CFMEU. The Queensland commission noted similar ownership structures in M1 Traffic Control Queensland, a company linked to Gatto. Gatto has denied wrongdoing and publicly dismissed Watson's findings. The Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, faced scrutiny in parliament regarding M Group's presence in the state's taxpayer-funded project pipeline. The company is also listed as a supplier for Goulburn-Murray Water, raising questions about its involvement in other projects. The Labor Hire Authority, which licensed M Group in Victoria, has limited powers and often cannot take action against companies identified by law enforcement or inquiries as having organized crime links or corruption involvement. However, it has canceled the licenses of dozens of construction companies with such connections. The situation comes after revelations of poor record-keeping by the agency managing the Big Build, leading to concerns about corruption risks and a lack of oversight. The Victorian government has defended its actions, citing efforts by Taskforce Hawk, which made another arrest on Wednesday, to combat construction industry problems.
