The final report of the independent inquiry into possible breaches of the APS Code of Conduct by Mr Michael Pezzullo

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The release is the final report of an independent inquiry by Lynelle Briggs AO, conducted on delegation from the Australian Public Service Commissioner, into possible breaches of the APS Code of Conduct by Michael Pezzullo AO, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs. It is dated 22 November 2023 and addressed to the Prime Minister, with an attachment setting out definitions and guidance on Code elements. The inquiry examined over 1,400 text messages between Mr Pezzullo and Scott Briggs, a non-APS confidant of former Prime Ministers Turnbull and Morrison, together with a 2021 contract awarded to Mr Briggs's company, DPG Advisory. The report found breaches of several Code provisions, including sections 13(2), 13(3), 13(6), 13(7), 13(10) and 13(11) of the Public Service Act 1999. It concluded that he had failed to act impartially and that no government could trust him to remain apolitical. Some allegations were found unsubstantiated, and the report recommends a sanction.