Mike Pezzullo, once considered one of the most influential figures in the public service, is dumped as Home Affairs secretary after alleged text exchanges detailed years-long campaigns to influence prime ministers and undermine rivals.
  • Mike Pezzullo was a central architect and inaugural boss of the Home Affairs Department.
  • He has been stood down on full pay pending an inquiry into his conduct.
  • Changes to secretary pay and conditions mean Mr Pezzullo might not receive a termination payment.

One of the most powerful figures in the public service has been sacked after leaked conversations revealed the depths of his attempts to influence the government on policy and the shape of government.

Mike Pezzullo, the head of the Home Affairs Department, was considered one of the most influential figures in the machinery of government even before alleged private conversations with a Liberal powerbroker exposed he had seemingly spent years using a political backchannel to influence prime ministers and undermine others.

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The inquiry found Mr Pezzullo had broken the public service code of conduct on at least 14 occasions. The breaches included:

  • Using his duty, power, status or authority to seek to gain a benefit or advantage for himself
  • Engaged in gossip and disrespectful critique of ministers and public servants
  • Failed to maintain confidentiality of sensitive government information
  • Failed to act apolitically in his employment
  • Failed to disclose a conflict of interest