Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry has resigned from cabinet after an Integrity Commission report found “serious corrupt conduct” by two senior public servants in her portfolio over the Campbell Primary School redevelopment.
The report found the former head of the ACT Education Directorate and Ms Berry’s former chief of staff “dishonestly provided a back door” for the strategic interests of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) in the procurement process for the multi-million-dollar project.
The Integrity Commission did not make any findings against Ms Berry.
In a statement, Ms Berry said she had informed Chief Minister Andrew Barr of her decision to step down from cabinet and would return to the backbench “and continue to serve the people of Ginninderra”.
Ms Berry said she accepted responsibility for the actions of her staff.
“I have never backed down from responsibility, even when it gets hard. And this is no doubt hard,” she said.
“I have made this decision because I don’t want a parliamentary public circus to follow this report.”
She said she was leaving the ministry “with my integrity and my moral compass intact” and looked forward to continuing to represent her electorate.
Berry’s resignation came in the face of mounting pressure from the Canberra Liberals, ACT Greens and independent MLAs Thomas Emerson and Fiona Carrick. All said the findings represented a breach of the ACT Ministerial Code of Conduct, arguing ministers were accountable for the actions of their staff and senior officials. All called on Berry to step down.
Opposition Leader Mark Parton argued that the commission’s findings showed ACT taxpayers paid nearly $1 million more for the project because of improper influence over the procurement process. He also renewed criticism of the Secure Local Jobs Code and the role of the CFMEU in ACT procurement, saying the report exposed broader problems within government.
Greens leader Jo Clay said the findings against Berry’s former chief of staff Josh Ceramidas and former education director-general Katy Haire amounted to “a serious failure of ministerial accountability and leadership”. She flagged further accountability measures as the Greens consider the report.
Independent MLA Thomas Emerson also cited the Ministerial Code of Conduct, saying Berry was responsible for the actions of her chief of staff and director-general. He said whether Berry directed the conduct, knew about it or was unaware of it, each scenario raised serious concerns and had warranted her resignation. Mr Emerson also highlighted the Integrity Commission’s recognition of the whistleblower whose evidence helped uncover the misconduct, calling for stronger support for people who expose wrongdoing within government.
Independent MLA Fiona Carrick said the findings against Berry’s former senior staff showed the minister had failed to meet the high standards expected of ACT ministers. She said the Ministerial Code required Berry to be held accountable for the actions of those senior officials.
News all day, every day at CityNewsQBN.com.au.
Leave a Reply