Mike Pezzullo’s candid exchanges with Scott Briggs cannot be dismissed as a kind of political locker-room talk that means nothing.
They are a spontaneous declaration of his state of mind and his attitude to his role. Political parties attract parasites like Briggs like iron filings to a magnet. What we do not yet know is how many other spivs, who big-note themselves with claims to influence in the inner circle, Pezzullo was communicating with. Not to mention how many journalists he was briefing.
Whatever happens to Pezzullo now – his position is plainly untenable, since no minister, Labor or Liberal, will ever be able to trust him again – one good outcome of this sorry affair would be to reverse the policy error of the Turnbull government to remove ASIO from the attorney-general’s portfolio, where it has historically lain.
The Pezzullo revelations show, with appalling clarity, how important it is not just for our democracy, but for our national security as well, that the public be confident that those who exercise covert power understand the importance of limits.Sign up for our Opinion newsletterGeorge Brandis is a former Liberal senator and federal attorney-general. He is now a professor in the practice of national security at the ANU’s National Security College.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Home Affairs boss Mike Pezzullo referred to Public Service Commissioner over texts to Liberal Party powerbrokerThe Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have published text messages sent over a number of years between Mike Pezzullo and Scott Briggs, an influential figure within the Liberal Party.
Read more »
Home Affairs chief Mike Pezzullo reported over texts to Liberal Party powerbrokerHome Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo has been referred to the Public Service Commissioner over leaked text exchanges between him and influential Liberal Party figure Scott Briggs.
Read more »
Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo stands aside following alleged texts to Liberal powerbrokerPrime Minister Anthony Albanese has revealed Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo has been asked and will stand aside whilst the Public Service Commissioner reviews alleged texts to a Liberal Party powerbroker. Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo was referred to the Australian Public Service Commissioner by Minister Clare O’Neil after a joint investigation by 60 Minutes, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald revealed explosive texts showed the public servant disparaging rivals and apparently offering input on political decisions. Mr Pezzullo allegedly exploited his relationship with Liberal powerbroker Scott Briggs to exert influence at the highest levels of government for half a decade. Treasurer Jim Chalmers revealed the government was aware of the messages and said the Home Affairs Minister would take action on Monday. Ms O'Neil then released a statement confirming she had referred Mr Pezzullo to the Australian Public Service Commissioner on Sunday night but offered no further comment.
Read more »
Top federal public servant Michael Pezzullo should goSecret efforts by a senior bureaucrat to build his power while reshaping Coalition governments and Australia’s national security regime illustrate the shrinking influence of the Westminster system.
Read more »
Home affairs department head Michael Pezzullo referred to public service commissioner over leaked textsThe home affairs minister Clare O’Neil said she was ‘aware’ of reporting by Nine of the texts, which include comments about political figures
Read more »
Pezzullo stands aside, cabinet to be briefed on private messagesMike Pezzullo has stood aside as Home Affairs secretary while an investigation is under way into his private messages with a key political lobbyist.
Read more »