CFMEU official testifies about assault and Gatto's gold bracelet
Union official describes assault injuries. He later received a gold bracelet from underworld figure Mick Gatto.
CFMEU official Paul Tzimas told Victoria's Big Build royal commission about a serious assault. Tzimas and a colleague were attacked at a construction site by people linked to builders and developers.
Tzimas broke his ankle. The colleague broke an eye socket, damaged teeth, had severe PTSD, and lost some vision.
About a week later, union officials met with builders. They asked Mick Gatto to come.
Gatto works with developers and builders to settle disputes. Gatto gave Tzimas a gold bracelet.
At first Tzimas said no. Then Gatto said it was an olive branch. It was not about earning favour.
Tzimas said other union officials also got gold bracelets from Gatto.
Why it mattersThis raises questions about underworld involvement in major construction projects. It also suggests potential corruption within construction unions.
AustraliaVictoria's infrastructure projects under scrutiny for union-industry relationships and integrity concerns.
