CETA corruption exposed: Whistleblower's claims lead to Minister's rebuke

A WHISTLEBLOWER at the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) has blown the lid on corruption in the supply chain at the authority.

- NICOLA MAWSON

In an interview with Wayne Duvenage, CEO of civil action organisation, Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, procurement professional Tumi details her efforts to combat irregularities, including the manipulation of tenders and the appointment of non-compliant service providers.

“I thought it was about time that I break my silence. I've been quiet for quite some time and enduring this abuse,” said Tumi. She said, when she joined the SETA in March 2012, it was under administration.

Tumi discussed how she was deliberate in adhering to compliance with supply chain management best practices yet was repeatedly suspended and victimised. Tumi highlighted what she believes are systemic issues within CETA, alleging that corrupt practices persisted.

A Duja Forensic Report into CETA's affairs was conducted around about the time that the authority was under administration, which was in February 2020 for an initial period of 12 months - was subsequently extended to February 2022.

A Higher Education and Training Parliamentary Committee meeting, held in mid-May, was briefed on the outcomes of the report, and members lambasted the department for failing to action the findings of the probe for more than a year.