MELBOURNE, 19 February 2026 – Domenic “Mick” Gatto remains one of Australia’s most recognisable and polarising figures, continuing to bridge the gap between Melbourne’s underworld history and high-level industrial mediation. As of early 2026, Gatto has found himself at the centre of renewed political scrutiny following fresh allegations regarding his influence within the Victorian construction sector and his long-standing ties to union leadership.
Latest Updates: Yacht Controversy and Union Inquiries
In the last week, Gatto has dominated headlines following reports of a social gathering held on a luxury yacht. On 15 February 2026, footage emerged of two prominent Victorian union and Labor Party powerbrokers dining with Gatto. This event has intensified calls for a Royal Commission into the CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union), with the Victorian Premier facing significant pressure to address what critics describe as “permanent damage” to the state’s economy caused by underworld influence in the “Big Build” infrastructure projects.
The controversy follows a series of reports initiated in late 2024 and throughout 2025 by corruption watchdogs. These investigations have scrutinised Gatto’s role as a “professional mediator,” with recent testimony in February 2026 suggesting that certain union-appointed health and safety representatives may have had direct links to Gatto’s associates, further blurring the lines between legitimate industrial relations and criminal intimidation.
Profile and Background
Born on 6 August 1955, Mick Gatto rose to national prominence during the Melbourne gangland killings of the late 1990s and early 2000s. While many of his contemporaries were killed or imprisoned, Gatto maintained a public profile as a businessman and “arbitrator.”
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Domenic Gatto |
| Date of Birth | 6 August 1955 |
| Primary Occupations | Industrial Mediator, Debt Collector, Former Boxer |
| Notable Publication | I, Mick Gatto (Biography) |
| Key Legal Event | Acquitted of the 2004 killing of Andrew Veniamin (Self-defence) |
Industrial Influence and “The Mediator” Role
Gatto operates a business known as Gatto Corporate Solutions, which provides “dispute resolution” services. While Gatto describes his work as essential for maintaining peace on volatile worksites, law enforcement and various Royal Commissions have frequently questioned the methods used.
His influence is not limited to the construction site; Gatto is a frequent fixture at Melbourne charity events. As recently as 12 February 2026, he was seen alongside Australian celebrities at the Equal Access for Autism Gala, illustrating his unique status as a “celebrity” underworld figure who maintains high-society connections despite his reputation.
Public Perception and Media
Public opinion on Gatto remains deeply divided. To some, he is a “colourful Melbourne character” and a survivor of a violent era who now provides a necessary service in a tough industry. To others, he represents a failure of the legal system to curb the influence of organised crime in taxpayer-funded projects. His portrayal in the Underbelly television series further cemented his status in Australian pop culture, a level of notoriety that Gatto has both profited from and occasionally criticised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mick Gatto still active in the construction industry?
Yes. As of February 2026, Gatto remains an active figure in industrial mediation, though his involvement is currently under intense scrutiny by state political leaders and corruption investigators regarding his links to the CFMEU.
What was Mick Gatto’s most famous legal case?
Gatto was charged with the murder of underworld hitman Andrew Veniamin in 2004. He was acquitted by a jury on the grounds of self-defence, claiming Veniamin had pulled a gun on him during a confrontation at a Carlton restaurant.
Has Mick Gatto written a book?
Yes, his autobiography titled I, Mick Gatto (and sometimes referred to as Beating the Odds) details his life as an SP bookmaker, his experiences during the gangland wars, and his transition into corporate mediation.