The Prime Minister has confirmed Mike Pezzullo has been sacked from his role as Home Affairs Secretary.
In a statement, Anthony Albanese said the governor-general had terminated the appointment of Mr Pezzullo.
“This action was based on a recommendation to me by the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Australian Public Service Commissioner, following an independent inquiry by Lynelle Briggs,” he said.
Mr Pezzullo’s career came crashing to an end after a series of text messages were leaked to Nine Newspapers.
The messages reveal conversations with Liberal powerbroker Scott Briggs and seemingly depict attempts to influence actions within government.
Ultimately, it was found that Mr Pezzullo breached the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct.
The texts revealed Pezzullo lobbied for his department and pushed his personal views, in breach of public service standards, over a five-year period.
It is not suggested the messages show corrupt or illegal conduct but public integrity advocates have alleged Pezzullo overstepped the required impartiality.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil referred the matter to the Australian Public Service Commissioner after concerns were raised following media reporting of the messages.
Lynelle Briggs, appointed to head the inquiry, has found Pezzullo breached the code of conduct on at least 14 occasions in relation to five overarching allegations.
The text messages showed Pezzullo using a political back channel to get the ear of two former prime ministers through Liberal powerbroker Scott Briggs.
He suggested some ministers be sacked and which MP should oversee his department.
The texts showed he wanted Peter Dutton, now the federal opposition leader, to become home affairs minister.
