Secret Report Slams Former Home Affairs Chief for 'Reckless' Conduct with Liberal Powerbroker
A confidential report, previously unreleased and obtained through a freedom of information battle, has found that former Department of Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo engaged in "reckless" and "ill-advised" conduct by communicating with a Liberal powerbroker, exceeding the boundaries of normal public service practice. The independent investigation, led by former Australian public service commissioner Lynelle Briggs, concluded that Pezzullo breached the government's code of conduct at least 14 times, leading to his sacking in November 2023.
Breaches of Public Service Standards and Political Influence
The report detailed that Pezzullo's engagement with Liberal insider Scott Briggs over many years was not a temporary lapse but a sustained effort to advance his personal views and interests. It found he used his relationship with Briggs, who had connections to former prime ministers Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull, to influence ministerial appointments and government machinery. This conduct was described as a step too far, undermining trust in his role.
Additionally, the inquiry substantiated that Pezzullo failed to avoid and declare a conflict of interest in the granting of a contract to Briggs' company, DPG Advisory, in 2021. The report also highlighted that Pezzullo engaged in "gossip and disrespectful critique" of ministers and public servants, further breaching ministerial confidentiality by discussing sensitive matters with Briggs, who lacked necessary security clearances.
Investigation and Aftermath of the Scandal
The probe was triggered by revelations in the Age and 60 Minutes about encrypted messages between Pezzullo and Briggs, where Pezzullo disparaged senior Coalition ministers and advocated for a rightwinger to oversee his department. Despite being retained after the Albanese government's election in May 2022, Pezzullo was asked to stand aside in September 2023 pending the investigation's outcome.
Former independent senator Rex Patrick, who obtained the partially redacted report after a two-year freedom of information struggle, emphasized the need for transparency in handling such allegations. He stated that public confidence requires seeing how allegations are investigated and dealt with, ensuring officials can assist inquiries without fear.
Career and Consequences for Pezzullo
Michael Pezzullo, once one of Australia's most powerful bureaucrats, rose through the public service ranks from a former deputy chief of staff to Labor leader Kim Beazley to become secretary of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in 2014. He later led the newly created Home Affairs super department in 2017. In September 2024, he was stripped of his Order of Australia appointment by the independent honours body. Pezzullo declined to comment when contacted by media outlets.
