Australia’s government has fired a high-ranking civil servant, Michael Pezzullo, who was known for his tough stance on immigration, following an investigation into his WhatsApp messages. Pezzullo was the head of the Department of Home Affairs but was found to have violated the public service’s code of conduct at least 14 times.
The allegations against Pezzullo included biased behavior, using his position for personal gain, and engaging in disrespectful conversations about ministers and colleagues. The public service commission confirmed that he had breached the code of conduct and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese terminated his appointment as a result.
Pezzullo’s troubles began in September when media reports revealed hundreds of encrypted WhatsApp messages he had allegedly sent to influence previous conservative governments. In one message, he reportedly called for the appointment of a “right winger” as the immigration minister, stating that people smugglers would be watching.
The firing of Pezzullo has been met with mixed reactions. Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for Australia’s Refugee Action Coalition, expressed no sympathy for Pezzullo and doubted that his removal would change the Labor government’s strict anti-immigration stance.
The government recently passed a law granting it the power to impose home curfews and ankle bracelets on migrants with criminal convictions. This move came after a High Court ruling forced the release of these migrants from detention.
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