Mike Pezzullo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mike Pezzullo
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Mike Pezzullo in 2022
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| Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs | |
| In office 20 December 2017 – 27 November 2023 |
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| Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection | |
| In office 13 October 2014 – 19 December 2017 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1964/1965 (age 60–61) St George, Southern Sydney |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Spouse | Lynne Pezzullo |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | University of Sydney |
| Occupation | Public servant |
Michael Pezzullo is a former Australian public servant. A public servant is someone who works for the government to help run the country. He was the top boss, called the Secretary, of the Department of Home Affairs from 2017 to 2023. Before that, he was the Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. His job as Secretary of Home Affairs ended after an investigation. This investigation found he had broken the rules for public servants many times. He was also found to have gossiped and spoken disrespectfully about government ministers.
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Early Life and School
Michael Pezzullo was born and grew up in Sydney, Australia. His parents were immigrants from Italy. He has said his childhood was "very boring" because he spent a lot of time reading. He especially liked reading about Australia's history, including its involvement in wars.
He went to Marist College Kogarah, where he played Rugby League. He loved history and wanted to become a history professor. He studied History at the University of Sydney and earned a special degree with Honours. His university teacher suggested he work for the government instead of becoming a professor.
Career in Government
Pezzullo started his career in 1987 at the Department of Defence. This department helps protect Australia. After five years, he moved to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. This department helps the Prime Minister with important decisions.
In 1993, Pezzullo worked for the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Gareth Evans. He stayed in Parliament House until 2001. During this time, he also worked for the opposition leader, Kim Beazley. In 2002, he went back to the Department of Defence. In 2006, he was promoted to a senior role there. He also helped write an important plan for Australia's defence in 2009.
In 2009, Pezzullo joined the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. This service manages Australia's borders. He became the chief executive officer (CEO) of Customs in 2013. The minister who appointed him said Pezzullo was chosen to make big changes. Pezzullo believed that border security was important for both safety and the economy.
In 2014, Prime Minister Tony Abbott made Pezzullo the new Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. As the head of immigration, Pezzullo made changes to how the department worked. He changed how people thought about immigration and border security.
In 2019, Pezzullo was reappointed as Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs. This department handles national security, immigration, and border control.
Rules and Conduct
An investigation looked into allegations about Michael Pezzullo. The Home Affairs Minister, Clare O'Neil, asked for this investigation. Pezzullo stepped aside from his job while the investigation happened.
The investigation found that Pezzullo had broken the rules for public servants at least 14 times. These rules are called the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct. The investigation found he had:
- Tried to gain benefits for himself using his position.
- Gossiped and spoken disrespectfully about ministers and other public servants.
- Shared secret government information.
- Not acted in a way that was politically neutral.
- Not told officials about a possible conflict of interest.
The findings were announced in November 2023. On the same day, Pezzullo was officially removed from his job. The investigation highlighted that he used his position for personal gain and gossiped about ministers.
Awards and Recognition
In 2020, Michael Pezzullo was given an award called "Officer of the Order of Australia" (AO). This award was for his "distinguished service" in national security, border control, and immigration.
However, in 2024, it was reported that a process was underway to take away his award. On September 26, 2024, the Governor-General officially ended his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Personal Life
Michael Pezzullo is married to Lynne, who is an economist. They have four children together. They enjoy bushwalking and have climbed mountains like Mount Toubkal in Morocco. They have also walked the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. Pezzullo was raised Catholic but joined his wife's Anglican Church community.
