SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Gatto denies corrupt building dealings

Melbourne identity Mick Gatto has rejected allegations he is involved in building industry corruption and says the allegations are part of a witch hunt.

Mick Gatto leaves court at an earlier date
Melbourne man Mick Gatto has rejected allegations he is involved in building industry corruption. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Melbourne identity Mick Gatto has denied being involved in corrupt building industry dealings, saying the allegations are part of a witch hunt and a Liberal government agenda.

A joint ABC-Fairfax Media investigation has found union officials are making corrupt deals to help companies linked to organised crime secure construction contracts.

The report alleges a Comanchero bikie pays Mr Gatto to get his firm an agreement with the Victorian building union so it can work on building sites.

Victoria's desalination plant is among a number of projects that companies connected to major crime figures are reportedly involved in.

Mr Gatto said the report is wrong.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"The only thing I will say is that they are all unfounded allegations," he told AAP on Tuesday.

"It's just a witch hunt. It is just an agenda for whatever the Liberal government want to do. That is all I can say. I've got nothing to hide."

Mr Gatto said he is the only high-profile Australian businessman being watched by authorities.

"100 per cent there is agenda there by somebody," he said.

"If I had done anything wrong I would be arrested, I guarantee that."

Mr Gatto denied he had been involved in corrupt dealings in the industry and rejected suggestions that the industry was corrupt.

"There has been no corrupt dealings whatsoever, never ever has, never ever will be," he said.

"They don't operate that way. Every company in Australia has got an EBA (Enterprise Bargaining Agreement). Anyone who wants to work in Victoria has got to have an EBA and they don't pay for it, they apply for it and it's open to everyone."


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world