Michael Pezzullo’s texts on Julie Bishop and Marise Payne revealed
- The texts of Michael Pezzullo exhibited
- He talked about Julie Bishop and Marise Payne
Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo was exposed for speaking out against several high-profile political leaders, including Julie Bishop, in a series of private texts – and resigned from his post.
Mr Pezzullo was referred to the Australian Public Service Commissioner, accused of inappropriately attempting to influence the Liberal Party.
A plethora of encrypted text messages leaked by Nine Newspapers on Sunday show Mr Pezzullo using a political channel to communicate with two former Liberal prime ministers.
The texts say he used Liberal intermediary Scott Briggs to exert his influence, including suggesting ministerial sackings and indicating which MP should become a minister in his department.
One message showed Mr Pezzullo saying he almost had a “heart attack” thinking Ms Bishop would become Liberal leader.
Interior Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo has been exposed for speaking out against several high-profile political leaders, including Julie Bishop, in a series of private texts.
One message showed Mr Pezzullo saying he almost had a “heart attack” thinking Ms Bishop would become Liberal leader.
Another post showed him mocking Ms Bishop after she appeared in a fashion photoshoot with TV star Kerri-Anne Kennerley (pictured, text mockup).
Another post showed him mocking Ms Bishop after she appeared in a fashion photo shoot with TV star Kerri-Anne Kennerley.
‘Sorry. She has agency and autonomy. I understand. But how does this advance the cause of strong, independent politics or relevant women in business?,” he wrote.
Defense Minister Marise Payne is also mentioned in other texts where she is described as “completely ineffective” and “problematic”.
The messages were sent on apps including WhatsApp and Signa, with other messages mentioning several other politicians, including Attorney General George Brandis.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters on Monday that Mr Pezzullo had agreed to step down from his post while the investigation was ongoing.
The texts showed Mr Pezzullo now suggesting Opposition Leader Peter Dutton become the new Home Affairs Minister the evening before Scott Morrison succeeded Malcolm Turnbull as Prime Minister in 2018.
According to the messages, he suggested the Liberals fire former Defense Minister Christopher Pyne.
Others show Mr Briggs asking directly if Mr Pezzullo had any messages to pass on before a dinner with Mr Morrison and Mr Turnbull.
It is not suggested that the messages demonstrate corrupt or illegal conduct, but it is arguable that Mr. Pezzullo exceeded the impartiality required to lead a ministry.
Defense Minister Marise Payne is also mentioned in other texts where she is described as “completely ineffective” and a “problem”.
Defense Minister Marise Payne is also mentioned in other texts where she is described as “completely ineffective” and a “problem” (photo, mock-up of the text)
Interior Minister Clare O’Neil has referred the matter to the public service body, she confirmed in a statement.
“I am aware of information regarding communications between Michael Pezzullo and Scott Briggs,” she said.
“(On Sunday evening) I referred this matter to the Australian Public Service Commissioner, Dr Gordon de Brouwer.”
Mr Pezzullo was the first person appointed to head the Interior Ministry when it was created in 2017.
He has held the position ever since, retaining the position when Labor took office in 2022.
