Mick Gatto-Linked Firm Dodges $14M Tax Bill—And Still Wins Government Contracts

Why Is the Government Associating with an Alleged Underworld Figure?

Another day, another scandal in the world of government contracts. 

A Mick Gatto-linked labour hire firm, M Group Trades and Labour, has defaulted on a staggering $13.7 million tax bill—all while securing lucrative taxpayer-funded projects. 

This isn’t the first time a company within the same corporate group has walked away from massive tax debts. 

But the bigger question is: 

Why is a firm connected to an alleged underworld figure still receiving public money?

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Tax Defaults, CFMEU Ties, and Government-Funded Projects—A Toxic Mix?

M Group Trades and Labour has been winning work on major Victorian infrastructure projects, including the $26 billion North East Link and several road upgrades. 

The company, which has strong CFMEU backing, has now been caught for failing to meet its tax obligations. But despite these financial red flags, they continue to secure government contracts.

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Where’s the Accountability? The ATO Steps In—But Is It Too Late?

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has stepped in, filing a notice with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) about the company's failure to pay its massive tax debt. But if the ATO is only catching up now, how did this company slip through the cracks for so long? And more importantly, why was it still entrusted with public funds?

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Déjà Vu? This Isn’t the First Time

This isn’t just a one-off. Another company from the same corporate group previously left behind a significant tax bill—yet the group still manages to win high-value government contracts. Is there a pattern of gaming the system? If so, who is allowing it to happen?

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Why Is the Allan Government Turning a Blind Eye?

So far, there has been no clear response from the Allan Labor government on how this was allowed to happen under their watch. 

But even more disturbing is the fact that they have no issue awarding contracts to a firm linked to an alleged underworld figure. 

With billions of taxpayer dollars at stake, the public deserves answers. Why are businesses with massive unpaid tax bills still winning government contracts? And why is the government comfortable working with Gatto-linked entities?

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The Real Question—Who Benefits from This System?

This isn’t just about one company dodging taxes. It’s about a broken system that seems to reward the wrong players. How many other firms are getting away with this? And more importantly, who in government keeps signing off on these deals?

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Time for Action—Will Anything Change?

The ATO’s intervention is a start, but will it lead to real consequences? Or will we see another version of this story a few years from now? 

Until there is real accountability, taxpayers will keep footing the bill while dodgy operators keep cashing in.

Should companies with massive tax debts and alleged underworld ties be banned from receiving government contracts?

There is a simple answer, and it is obviously YES!

Do better, Victorian Labor Government!