A Gold Coast business, M1 Traffic Control QLD Pty Ltd, is under scrutiny by the CFMEU inquiry, suspected of having ties to Victorian underworld figure Mick Gatto. Commissioner Stuart Wood and Senior Counsel Assisting Patrick Wheelahan KC revealed this at a depot used by the company, appealing for further information. The business is an expansion of the Victorian M Group, which was previously criticized for its attempts to conceal connections to Mr. Gatto in a report by anti-corruption barrister Geoffrey Watson SC. Mr. Watson's report alleged that M Group companies used a structure with 'dummy directors' to hide Mr. Gatto's involvement. Mr. Wheelahan emphasized that speculation about ownership and control is not within his scope, but suggested that the lucrative construction projects leading up to the 2032 Olympic Games may have drawn Mr. Gatto to Queensland. The report also mentioned that M Group was allegedly favored by the CFMEU in Victoria, with a threat of industrial disruption if the preferred contractor was not used. The findings of the Watson investigation were presented to the CFMEU inquiry last month, and a final report is expected to be handed to the Queensland government in July.
