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The potential move to strip former Home Affairs Department secretary Mike Pezzullo of his Order of Australia has been described as “incredibly petty” and the Prime Minister has been called on to intervene.
Several Liberal politicians have defended the sacked public servant’s record of service to Australia and achievements in the wake of the news his award could be removed.
Senator James Paterson responded to Sky News host Sharri Markson’s article published on Thursday which revealed the news, releasing his response on X.
“While Mike Pezzullo may not be perfect, he gave decades of professional service to our country & governments of both persuasion,” Mr Paterson wrote.
“He achieved many things in the national interest. Stripping his AO is incredibly petty.
“The PM should intervene to stop it.”
Senator Sarah Henderson said she was “shocked” by the news Mr Pezzullo could lose the award.
“I'm quite shocked by what appears to be a partisan political attack on a highly credentialed, public servant, someone who has served both sides of politics very well,” the shadow education minister told Sky News Australia on Thursday.
“And, of course, as Peter Dutton has made clear, did a very good job when, the borders were in chaos under the former government in stopping the boats.”
Ms Markson revealed on Thursday someone formerly involved in the awards told her it was extremely rare to strip someone of their AO.
The former public servant was sacked by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last November after an investigation was launched following revelations he had allegedly sent text messages to a Liberal lobbyist.
An independent review found Mr Pezzullo had breached the government’s code of conduct at least 14 times.
According to an article published by The Age, the breaches relate to five main allegations including using “his duty, power, status or authority to seek to gain a benefit or advantage for himself” and engaging in “gossip and disrespectful critique of ministers and public servants”.
Mr Pezzullo first joined the public service in 1987 and went on to serve in senior roles in defence immigration and Australian Customs and border protection.
His service to the nation has been praised by two former prime ministers.
Tony Abbott told Ms Markson the former public servant “worked for governments of both persuasions with energy and commitment”.
Scott Morrison described Mr Pezzullo as one of the “most effective, capable and committed public services” he ever had the good fortune to work with.
It is understood the Governor-General, David Hurley, will make the final decision as to whether Mr Pezzullo should be stripped of the award.