The ACT Integrity Commission has delivered damning findings against senior territory government officials, revealing a deliberate subversion of public interest in a multi-million-dollar school refurbishment tender. Former ACT Education Directorate director-general Katy Haire and Education Minister’s then-chief of staff, Joshua Ceramidas, engaged in serious corrupt conduct, prioritizing the strategic interests of a powerful union over the territory community. This betrayal of trust resulted in increased costs and manifest unfairness for local firms.
The commission's investigation, which began public hearings three years ago in 2023, centered on the awarding of a contract for Campbell Primary School between 2019 and 2020. Ms. Haire awarded the lucrative contract to Lendlease, despite a local firm, Manteena, submitting a bid deemed both better and cheaper.
This decision wasn't based on merit. A directorate official, identified only as “John Green,” testified that the Construction Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) opposed Manteena because the company lacked a union agreement. Mr. Green further stated that Ms. Haire informed him that Education Minister Yvette Berry’s then-chief of staff, Joshua Ceramidas, had explicitly directed that Manteena was not to secure the Campbell procurement.
Elite Capture Exposed
The commission's report unequivocally states that Ms. Haire and Mr. Ceramidas "dishonestly provided a back door" for the CFMEU's strategic interests. These interests were given priority over the government's own policy and, critically, over the interests of the territory community. This is a clear case of elite capture, where powerful external entities dictate public policy for their own gain.
The process was not only "improperly skewed," leading to "manifest unfairness," but also resulted in "substantially increased cost" to taxpayers. Both Ms. Haire and Mr. Ceramidas then undertook a "calculated attempt to cover up the truth of what occurred," actions the commission deemed "serious corrupt conduct."
Mr. Ceramidas, however, rejected the findings today, alleging the published report differed from what he initially reviewed. He stated, “I reject the findings made by the commission and regard its conduct throughout the investigation as requiring external scrutiny.” He claimed the commission declined to provide him information about amendments made to the report before its release.
Minister Berry, whose office was expected to issue a statement later today, acknowledged during public hearings that she was aware the CFMEU "were unhappy with Manteena." She denied knowing the specifics or instructing her staff to exclude the company, stating, “I just don’t think it’s something I would say.” The union’s then national and local secretary, Zach Smith, also denied discussing Manteena’s tender with Ms. Berry or her former chief of staff. The report made no findings on Ms. Berry’s personal conduct.
The Cost to the Community
The fallout from this elite maneuvering extends beyond the initial contract. In May 2024, the second anniversary of the event, Ms. Haire sought to challenge the commission in the Supreme Court, alleging bias. Mr. Ceramidas also unsuccessfully sought an injunction on public hearings in July 2024, also the second anniversary of that action. These legal battles further drain public resources.
Canberra Liberals leader Mark Parton minced no words, demanding Minister Berry’s resignation. He declared that if he were chief minister, he would strip her of the education portfolio. Parton highlighted the broader implications, stating, “If indeed the minister was not aware about decisions that were being made by her chief of staff and the director-general, well I think that says a lot about how the minister runs her portfolios.”
Parton described the ACT government as a "crisis," linking these incidents to the systemic issues arising from "the same government in power for 26 years." He called for a "broom run though this place," echoing a widespread sentiment that entrenched power breeds corruption and disregard for the public. ACT Greens Leader Jo Clay joined the call, urging Ms. Berry to "do the right thing and resign," citing the ACT Ministerial Code of Conduct which holds ministers accountable for their staff's actions.