ACT Integrity Commission finds serious corruption in school contract award

A lengthy investigation by the ACT Integrity Commission has uncovered serious corruption involving territory government officials concerning a multi-million dollar contract for the Campbell Primary School upgrade. The commission found that officials, including the then-chief of staff to the ACT Education Minister and the then-head of the ACT Education Directorate, dishonestly prioritized the Construction Forestry and Maritime Employees Union's interests.

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dishonestly provided a back door

The investigation focused on the awarding of the contract between 2019 and 2020 for the school's refurbishment. A local firm, Manteena, had submitted a bid that was deemed both better and cheaper than that of the awarded contractor, Lendlease. However, the commission found that public officials provided a "back door" to give the union's strategic interests priority.

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undertook a calculated attempt to cover up the truth of what occurred

During public hearings, a directorate official, pseudonymously named "John Green," testified that the CFMEU disliked Manteena due to its lack of a union agreement. He alleged that Mr. Ceramidas stated, "Manteena is not to get it," citing the company's industrial relations performance, though Mr. Green admitted he was not directly told to award the tender to Lendlease.

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Manteena is not to get it

ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry stated she was aware the CFMEU was unhappy with Manteena but denied knowing specifics or instructing her staff to block the company's bid. The union's then-secretary also denied discussing Manteena's tender with the minister or her chief of staff. The commission concluded that both public officials engaged in a calculated attempt to conceal the truth.

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I just don't think that's something I would say