Leaked texts reveal ‘highly inappropriate’ political interference by top public servant

One of Australia’s most senior public servants used back-channel influence to interfere in political affairs, new leaked messages obtained by The Age reveal.

The messages reveal secretary of the Home Affairs department, Michael Pezzulo, sent messages to a Liberal powerbroker to try and influence two prime ministers — Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison.

The Age investigative journalist Nick McKenzie, who broke the story, says Mr Pezzulo’s conduct was “highly inappropriate” and his position is now untenable.

Press PLAY below to hear Nick McKenzie explaining the why this is so significant

“If every public servant in the land was acting in this way … then the whole system would collapse,” he told Neil Mitchell.

Mr Pezzulo has stood down pending an investigation.

Former Australian Public Service Commissioner Lynelle Briggs will lead an independent investigation into his conduct.

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