Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed Mike Pezzullo, the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, effective immediately.

The decision comes in the wake of recent restrictions on payouts for department secretaries facing termination due to Australian Public Service Code of Conduct violations.

“Earlier today the Governor-General in Council terminated the appointment of Michael Pezzullo as Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs,” the prime minister said in a statement.

“This action was based on a recommendation to me by the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Australian Public Service Commissioner, following an independent inquiry by Lynelle Briggs.

“That inquiry found breaches of the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct by Mr Pezzullo. Mr Pezzullo fully cooperated with the inquiry.”

The inquiry, prompted by the revelation of WhatsApp messages between Pezzullo and Liberal Party operative Scott Briggs, exposed alleged political manoeuvring regarding potential ministerial appointments. 

The Australian Public Service Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs, found that Pezzullo had violated the Code of Conduct on at least 14 occasions, involving five key allegations.

These included the misuse of duty and authority for personal gain, engaging in gossip and disrespectful critique of ministers and public servants, failure to maintain confidentiality of sensitive government information, failure to act apolitically, and failure to disclose a conflict of interest.

As a consequence, Briggs recommended the termination of Pezzullo's appointment as Secretary under section 59 of the Public Service Act. 

The government's recent determination via the Remuneration Tribunal reinforces penalties for secretaries found guilty of breaches, stripping them of entitlements, including a year's salary and six months' termination pay, based on the time remaining on their contracts.

Stephanie Foster will serve as the acting secretary of the Department of Home Affairs until a permanent appointment is made.