2026-07-23
The ACT Greens are calling for the resignation of Minister for Education Yvette Berry following findings by the ACT Integrity Commission of serious corrupt conduct by her then Chief of Staff and her then Director General of Education.
"The Integrity Commission's findings are clear," ACT Greens Leader Jo Clay says.
"The Commission has found that the conduct of Ms Katy Haire and Mr Josh Ceramidas was 'of a character that would be likely to threaten public confidence in the integrity of Government or public administration' – and that both individuals undertook 'a calculated attempt to cover up the truth.' The Commission found this amounted to 'serious corrupt conduct'.
“At the time of the conduct, Mr Ceramidas was Minister Berry’s Chief of Staff and Ms Haire was the Director General for Education. This represents a serious failure of ministerial accountability and leadership and a breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct. Minister Berry cannot continue in her role.
"Under the ACT Ministerial Code of Conduct, ministers are accountable for their own behaviour and the decisions and actions of their staff. Minister Berry failed in her duty to ensure her Chief of Staff complied with the Code. The Minister is also accountable for her then Director General of Education.
"Canberrans expect and deserve ministers who are accountable for their actions and the actions of those who serve directly under them. These findings expose a serious breach of the standards of accountability and integrity, and a clear betrayal of the community's trust. We are calling on Minister Berry to do the right thing and resign now. We will call for further accountability measures as we consider this report.”
BACKGROUND
• The ACT Ministerial Code of Conduct. We draw your attention to paragraphs 3(e) and 5(g).
• The ACT Greens-Labor Supply and Confidence Agreement for the 11th Assembly. We draw your attention to page 2, which identifies the Greens’ criteria for opposing a Minister’s continued appointment.