Breaking: Serious corruption findings against former ACT government officials

ACT Integrity Commission Campbell Primary contract investigation finds 'serious corrupt conduct' Thu 23 Jul 2026 at 11:09am A years' long ACT Integrity Commission investigation has made findings of serious corrupt conduct by two former territory government officials. The investigation surrounded the awarding of a multi-million-dollar tender for the refurbishment of Campbell Primary School between 2019 and 2020. The contract was awarded to Lendlease, despite a bid by local firm Manteena being deemed better and cheaper. The commission found ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry's then-chief of staff, Joshua Ceramidas, and then-ACT Education Directorate head Katy Haire, "dishonestly provided a back door" by which the strategic interests of the Construction Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) were given priority. The commission found both public officials "undertook a calculated attempt to cover up the truth of what occurred". In public hearings, which began in August 2023, a directorate official — assigned the pseudonym "John Green" — told the commission the CFMEU did not like the company because it did not have a union agreement. Mr Green alleged Mr Ceramidas had said "Manteena is not to get it", citing the company's "industrial relations performance". Mr Green conceded he was never directed to grant the tender to Lendlease. Ms Berry told the commission she was aware the CFMEU was "unhappy with Manteena" but denied being aware of the specifics, or having told her staff the company should not get the contract. "I just don't think it's something I would say," Ms Berry said. The union's then national and local secretary, Zach Smith, also denied having raised Manteena's tender for the school with Ms Berry or her chief of staff. Ms Berry's office is expected to issue a statement later today. Loading [Image text:] Primarys Ph0261423580 campbellps.act.edu.au