In a recent hearing of the Victorian Royal Commission on the Integrity of Major Public and Civil Infrastructure Construction Projects, former Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) official Paul Tzimas provided testimony that shed light on a disturbing incident involving an underworld figure and a construction site assault.
According to Tzimas, he and a colleague were severely attacked at a construction site by individuals linked to builders and developers. The assault left Tzimas with a fractured ankle, while his colleague suffered a broken eye socket, dental damage, severe post‑traumatic stress disorder and partial loss of vision. The witnesses did not disclose the exact location or date of the attack, but Tzimas suggested that the assailants may have been connected to an outlaw biker gang.
About a week after the assault, a meeting was convened between union officials and representatives from the builders involved in the project. The builders arranged for Mick Gatto, a well‑known underworld figure, to attend the session. Gatto is reputed to have worked with developers and builders to resolve project‑related disputes.
During the meeting, Gatto presented Tzimas with a gold bracelet. Tzimas initially declined the gift, citing concerns that accepting it could be perceived as inappropriate for someone in his position. He later accepted the bracelet after discussing the gesture with Gatto, who explained that the gift was intended as an olive branch rather than an attempt to secure favour.
“I knew the bracelet was not a worthless trinket,” Tzimas told the commission. “After talking with Gatto about why he was giving it to me, I decided to take it.” He added that Gatto had believed he had judged Tzimas harshly and that the gift was meant to mend their relationship.
In addition to Tzimas, other union officials reportedly received gold bracelets from Gatto. The testimony raises questions about the influence of criminal elements in the construction industry and the potential for corruption within union leadership.
The Royal Commission will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault and the subsequent meeting, with a focus on ensuring the integrity of public infrastructure projects and safeguarding the safety of workers on site.
Source: The Guardian World
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Editorial note: This is an original news report prepared from the attributed source material with AI assistance. It is not a reproduction or translation of the original article.
