Geoffrey Watson SC, a senior barrister who investigated the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), refused to withdraw allegations that notorious Melbourne underworld figure Mick Gatto controls a network of labour-hire companies. The claims were made during tense cross-examination at a Queensland inquiry held in Brisbane on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Watson authored a report titled Rotting from the Top, which detailed a culture of violence, intimidation, and bullying within the CFMEU's Queensland branch. The report also accused widespread misconduct and bikie infiltration in the Victorian division under former leader John Setka.

During the inquiry, Watson faced combative questioning from Simon Wilson KC, representing the M1 Trades Group—a Victorian labour-hire and traffic management firm linked to Gatto. Watson alleged that companies within the M Group network used "dummy directors" such as Tony Paragalli and Michael Portia to conceal Gatto's involvement. He further stated that Gatto's denials of owning these businesses were "transparently false" and maintained, "It is my view all the evidence points to Mr Gatto controlling the M Group companies."

Watson challenged critics by saying, "If you want to challenge my competence, go straight for it," and expressed frustration that statements were made to the press without consulting him about the report's findings or methodology.

Mick Gatto and his associates Tony Paragalli and Michael Portia have strongly denied any improper ties to the companies or the union.

The courtroom exchanges grew heated enough for Commissioner Stuart Wood KC to intervene and caution Wilson to moderate his questioning.

Sources