About this episodeAn investigation reveals that underworld figure Mick Gatau and his associates have extorted millions from Big …AI summary
An investigation reveals that underworld figure Mick Gatau and his associates have extorted millions from Big Build subcontractors in exchange for access to lucrative Victorian infrastructure contracts. Despite evidence of this corruption, including payments from major labor hire firms like Women in Construction, the Victorian government has failed to hold principal contractors accountable or implement effective anti-corruption measures until now.
Key takeaways 5
Mick Gatau receives regular payments ranging from $5,000 to $60,000 from Big Build subcontractors, totaling millions, in exchange for ensuring access to projects and maintaining smooth operations via union influence.
Labor hire firm 'Women in Construction,' run by individuals with serious criminal records including drug trafficking and domestic violence, charged 25% more than other firms and funneled $700,000 to Mick Gatau.
Principal contractors (Tier 1 firms) are complicit by using these corrupt labor hire firms, yet they have not been held accountable due to legal loopholes that allow the 'body' (subcontractors) to be punished while the 'head' (principal contractors) escapes liability.
The Victorian government actively supported the CFMEU's labor hire racket in internal documents, acknowledging it cost the Metro Tunnel project an additional $200 million.
Premier Jacinta Allen has refused to explicitly acknowledge that corruption exists on the Big Build, deferring to police investigations despite clear evidence presented by whistleblowers and investigators.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“If you don't pay Gatau, you don't get access to the big build through Gatau and through the union. They control who goes on the project and who doesn't get access to the project.”
▶ 5:25Whistleblower explaining the extortion mechanism used by Mick Gatau to control subcontractor access.
“I think what he does is this so-called mediation and consultation... I haven't seen anything. I think what he does is this so-called mediation and consultation on what I mean haven't we got like a well-paid internationally renowned construction company in partnership with the state government that's overseeing all of this don't they know what they're doing what what is it that McGau is actually doing for them”
Corruption investigator Dan Bulch questioning the value proposition of paying Mick Gatau, suggesting no real service is provided.
“There's no doubt about that. If you have a look at the use of these specialized firms with CFMEU connections, they were charging 25% more than other labor hire companies.”
▶ 21:19Jeffrey Watson confirming the inflated costs associated with union-linked labor hire firms like Women in Construction.
“Ultimately, the fish rots from the head. The principal contractor is the head. And if the body is rotten, the question has to be why are they suffering it to continue?”
▶ 24:13Steve Dargable, Labour Hire Commissioner, arguing that Tier 1 contractors are responsible for the corruption occurring within their supply chains.
“Well, if there is evidence to support that and that is those that evidence is found to be supported by Victoria Police's investigations, that is a matter for Victoria Police.”
▶ 2:28Premier Jacinta Allen's refusal to explicitly admit corruption exists on the Big Build when confronted by Nick McKenzie.
Chapters & Sections (13)▼
0:00Underworld Control of Big Buildchapter2
1:46Underworld Corruption in Government Construction
3:55Underworld Extortion on Government Construction
6:03Underworld Control of Big Buildchapter2
7:38Corruption and Kickbacks in Big Build
9:21Underworld Influence on Construction Projects
12:05Gangland Payments to Big Build Contractorschapter2
14:36Underworld Profits from Government Construction
16:27Labor Hire Firms Pay for Construction Access
19:10Underworld Control of Construction Contractschapter3
22:13Underworld Influence on Construction Sector
23:59Underworld Influence on Government Construction
26:43Underworld Extortion in Government Construction
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