‘Nobody from the Labor party has contacted me’ about $15bn CFMEU corruption claim, expert says
Summary
Geoffrey Watson, an expert who wrote a report claiming corruption in the construction union cost taxpayers $15 billion, said no one from the Victorian Labor government has contacted him about his findings. The report alleges criminal activity linked to the CFMEU union and claims underworld figure Mick Gatto controls certain companies benefiting from government projects.Key Facts
- Geoffrey Watson authored a report on corruption within the CFMEU construction union, estimating costs to taxpayers at $15 billion.
- No representatives from the Victorian Labor party have reached out to Watson to discuss his report.
- Victorian officials, including the attorney general and police minister, publicly criticized Watson’s report.
- Watson regularly informed the police about his investigation and denies ignoring authorities.
- Former Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan resigned partly due to handling of this corruption issue; her successor pledged a royal commission into the construction industry.
- Watson’s report claims Melbourne criminal Mick Gatto controls M Group companies involved in government projects, though Watson later softened his wording on ownership but maintained Gatto’s control.
- The new CFMEU administrator said corruption is still present in the construction sector, involving people influencing who wins contracts.
- The administrator expressed doubt about royal commissions but welcomed the new inquiry promised by the Premier.
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