CFMEU inquiry calls for details on potential Gatto-linked traffic firm

2 hours ago 1

Matt Dennien

Queensland’s CFMEU inquiry has accused a Gold Coast traffic management operation of having links with Melbourne underworld identity Mick Gatto.

Inquiry figures held a media conference outside the company’s address on Wednesday morning, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Counsel assisting the inquiry Patrick Wheelahan said M1 Traffic Control Queensland appeared to have recently begun operations in the state.

Counsel assisting the inquiry Patrick Wheelahan and Commissioner Stuart Wood outside a traffic management company on the Gold Coast.Matt Dennien

The firm had “similar features” to those documented by the CFMEU administration’s former corruption-busting barrister Geoffrey Watson.

“The corporate structure in the ASIC records for M1 Traffic Control QLD shows similar features to those Watson SC documented: a Paragalli as director, a company with the name Portia Nominees as a shareholder, and all shares held non-beneficially,” Wheelehan said in a statement.

“We will investigate any information we are given regarding the establishment of M1 Traffic Control Queensland Pty Ltd in Queensland and those it does business with.”

The inquiry figures said no findings had been made, and they were not suggesting who owned the company or that it had engaged in any misconduct.

Calls to the phone number listed on the company’s signage went to voicemail.

More to come.

Matt Dennien is a reporter at Brisbane Times covering state politics and the public service. He has previously worked for newspapers in Tasmania and Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ. Contact him securely on Signal @mattdennien.15Connect via email.