Former Home Affairs Chief Sacked Over 'Reckless' Liberal Powerbroker Ties
A confidential report, 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 with a Liberal powerbroker, exceeding the boundaries of normal public service practice. The independent probe led to his sacking in November 2023 after concluding he breached the government's code of conduct at least 14 times, including using his power for personal benefit.
Details of the Investigation and Findings
The inquiry, led by former Australian public service commissioner Lynelle Briggs, examined a series of messages Pezzullo allegedly sent to Liberal party insider Scott Briggs over encrypted platforms like Signal and WhatsApp. These communications aimed to influence political processes, such as ministerial appointments, to suit Pezzullo's personal interests. The report did not find, and does not suggest, that Scott Briggs engaged in misconduct.
Key findings from the 66-page report include:
- Pezzullo's conduct was described as "a step too far" and not a temporary lapse in judgment due to its duration over many years.
- He used his relationship with Scott Briggs, who had connections to prime ministers Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull, to communicate views on government machinery and appointments.
- Pezzullo failed to avoid and declare a conflict of interest in granting a contract to Scott Briggs' company, DPG Advisory, in 2021.
- He engaged in "gossip and disrespectful critique" of ministers and public servants, breaching ministerial confidentiality multiple times.
- The report noted that Scott Briggs lacked security clearances, exacerbating the breaches.
Background and Consequences
Michael Pezzullo, a former deputy chief of staff to Labor leader Kim Beazley, rose through the public service ranks to become secretary of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in 2014 and later led the Home Affairs super department from 2017. Despite being retained after the Albanese government's election in May 2022, he was asked to stand aside in September 2023 by then home affairs minister Clare O'Neil pending the investigation.
The report, partially redacted, was obtained by former independent senator Rex Patrick after a two-year freedom of information struggle and shared with media outlets. In her report, Lynelle Briggs wrote that it was "hard to imagine" Pezzullo could be trusted by future governments or colleagues. Additionally, Pezzullo was stripped of his Order of Australia appointment in September 2024 by the independent honours body.
Pezzullo declined to comment when contacted by Guardian Australia. Rex Patrick emphasized that transparency is crucial for public confidence, stating that secretaries wield significant power and must be held accountable through visible investigation processes.
