Former chief of staff sues Integrity Commission over corruption findings
Joshua Ceramidas, ex-chief of staff to deputy CM Yvette Berry, is suing the ACT Integrity Commission to overturn corruption findings.
Joshua Ceramidas has launched Federal Court action against the ACT Integrity Commission, arguing its findings of serious corrupt conduct are not backed by evidence. The commission found that Ceramidas helped steer a primary school upgrade contract to benefit the CFMEU union, acting in his own interest to gain favour with the union.
Joshua Ceramidas also allegedly lied to the Integrity Commission about his role. Ceramidas claims the commission's findings that he had a close relationship with the union and worked to help it succeed are irrational and unsupported.
The July Operation Kingfisher report also found that Katy Haire, the former head of the Education Directorate, engaged in serious corrupt conduct in the same matter. The integrity watchdog noted Ceramidas' actions could constitute criminal offences of abusing public office and conspiracy to defraud, though it cannot rule on criminality.
The case was listed for mention in October.
- Chief of staff to deputy CM Yvette Berry
- Former role
- Katy Haire, head of Education Directorate
- Other official implicated
- Operation Kingfisher
- Investigation
- Federal Court
- Forum for challenge
Why it mattersA former government official is challenging findings that could carry serious legal consequences, testing whether the integrity watchdog's investigation was sound.
AustraliaThe case will reveal whether Canberra's Integrity Commission properly investigated the school contract matter and sets a precedent for other corruption challenges.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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