Story perspectives

Former Home Affairs Chief Breaches Conduct, Loses Honors

4/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Michael Pezzullo, former head of Department of Home Affairs, breached the government's code of conduct by acting 'recklessly'.
The Lynelle Briggs inquiry found Pezzullo worked with Scott Briggs to influence appointments.
He failed to declare conflicts of interest and disparaged senior ministers in encrypted messages.
Pezzullo was sacked in November 2023 and stripped of Order of Australia appointment in September 2024.
The report calls for transparency in public service conduct.

1 of 1

Story summary

Michael Pezzullo, former head of Department of Home Affairs, breached the government's code of conduct by acting 'recklessly'.
The Lynelle Briggs inquiry found Pezzullo worked with Scott Briggs to influence appointments.
He failed to declare conflicts of interest and disparaged senior ministers in encrypted messages.
Pezzullo was sacked in November 2023 and stripped of Order of Australia appointment in September 2024.
The report calls for transparency in public service conduct.