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2 clusters · 6 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated

ACT corruption scandal and cabinet reshuffle

Overview

In late July 2026, the ACT Integrity Commission reported that senior staff of Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry had engaged in serious corrupt conduct to give the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union an advantage in a school‑building contract. Although Berry herself was not found to have committed misconduct, opposition figures demanded her resignation under the ministerial code of conduct.

Three days later, Berry stepped down, and Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced a cabinet reshuffle. The reshuffle was presented as necessary to protect the government amid the ongoing “Kingfisher” corruption investigation. Health Minister Rachel Stephen‑Smith was expected to become the new deputy chief minister, and government whip Caitlin Tough was likely to join the cabinet.

The two snapshots together trace the rapid progression from the exposure of staff corruption and political pressure on Berry to her resignation and the subsequent re‑organisation of the ACT government.

Entities

Yvette Berry · Caitlin Tough · Kingfisher scandal · Rachel Stephen‑Smith · Andrew Barr

Timeline

  1. 16 days ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr reshuffles cabinet after deputy Yvette Berry's resignation

    ACT Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry resigns; Andrew Barr plans a cabinet reshuffle with Rachel Stephen‑Smith likely becoming deputy chief minister.

  2. 20 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry faces calls to resign after staff found guilty of serious corrupt conduct

    ACT Integrity Commission finds former staff of Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry engaged in serious corrupt conduct to favor a union in a school contract, prompting calls for her resignation.

Sources

australianseniorsnews.com.au · canberradaily.com.au · canberratimes.com.au · canberraweekly.com.au · sevenstarsastrology.com · the-riotact.com