ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry resigns from cabinet

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Education Minister Yvette Berry has resigned from the Cabinet after an Integrity Commission investigation found evidence of serious corrupt conduct by two senior government officials linked to a school refurbishment contract worth A$18.8 million.

According to ABC News, the ACT Integrity Commission found no evidence of personal misconduct by Berry. However, the probe concluded that former Education Directorate Director-General Katy Haire and Berry's former chief of staff Joshua Ceramidas improperly allowed the CFMEU construction union to influence the tender process.

In a statement, Berry said she decided to step down despite being cleared of wrongdoing, adding that she had informed the Chief Minister of her decision and would continue serving the people of Ginninderra as a backbencher.

Berry said she accepted full responsibility for the findings involving members of her office and resigned to prevent the issue from becoming a distraction in Parliament. She maintained that she was leaving office with her integrity intact and reaffirmed her commitment to public service.

Meanwhile, former chief of staff Joshua Ceramidas rejected the commission's findings, claiming the published report differed from the version shown to him during the investigation. He also called for an independent review of the commission's handling of the inquiry and said he was reviewing the report before making further comments.

Source: ABC News