October
- Analysis
- Defence
The map that Canberra doesn’t want you to see
Australia’s military integration with the US proceeds apace, but is the Albanese government coming clean on the risks?
- James Curran
July
- Opinion
- Defence
Pezzullo bangs the war drums against placating an ‘imagined China’
The former Home Affairs secretary does not, however, present a philosophy of international relations that might form a basis for Australia’s position in the world.
- James Curran
June
Risk of war with China rising fast, ex-security chief warns
Former Home Affairs Department head Mike Pezzullo wants a new defence production tsar with “superpowers” to shake up how the military acquires weapons.
- Andrew Tillett
May
Crisis-focused Home Affairs fails to prepare for security threats
A review of the $6.3 billion Home Affairs department has found it is too focused on crisis management, and lacks the trust of other key intelligence agencies.
- Tom Burton
Bull and the budget: supplicants take over Canberra
As the treasurer hands down his third budget, hasn’t he aroused a stupendous chorus of critics?
- Updated
- Myriam Robin and Mark Di Stefano
April
- Opinion
- National security
Pezzullo takes first step to redemption
The former Home Affairs secretary admitted his mistakes and accepted his disgrace, and knows he will not be working with the Commonwealth for some time.
- Tom Burton
December 2023
Bonfire of the CEOs: Rear Window’s 2023 year in review
The year ended with a lecture from the mining establishment, but not before a carry-on of CEOs joined the unemployment queue.
- Myriam Robin and Mark Di Stefano
November 2023
Albanese dumps merit pledge to tap new Home Affairs chief
Anthony Albanese has rushed through the appointment of a new Home Affairs secretary, breaking a pledge on merit-based selections.
- Tom Burton
- Analysis
- Public service
Government may rue the day Pezzullo was unleashed
Mike Pezzullo knew his days as a federal secretary were numbered when his private texts were published. Unconstrained by official protocols ministers may rue the day they terminated him.
- Tom Burton
Pezzullo sacked after inquiry into text messages
Home Affairs secretary Mike Pezzullo has been removed from one of the most powerful roles in the public service after being found to have breached the code of conduct at least 14 times.
- Tom Burton
Pezzullo sacked; Healius boss exits; Is Goldman wrong?
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
October 2023
- Opinion
- Government Observed
Why cabinet needs the two Mikes – Pezzullo and Burgess
The ASIO chief and his portfolio secretary come from Canberra’s warrior class. Despite any personal failings, their frank and fearless advice is valuable.
- Tom Burton
Mike Pezzullo confidant Scott Briggs vanishes
The funny thing is, Briggs joined DPG Advisory Solutions after his closeness to Scott Morrison and other Coalition figures made his old job untenable.
- Updated
- Myriam Robin
- Opinion
- Public service
Australia needs more public servants like Mike Pezzullo
The tall poppy who fixes government, makes it work and do things it otherwise could not is the natural target for those who want to critique policy, without openly challenging it.
- Robert Potter
September 2023
‘Trail of blood’: inside Michael Pezzullo’s behind-the-scenes world
Neighbours call his home “Southfork”, and just as J.R. schemed his way through Dallas, the top security mandarin put back channels to good use.
- Andrew Tillett
Pezzullo’s fate an ‘urgent matter’: PM
Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo has stood aside while a trove of text messages exchanged with a Liberal Party powerbroker are investigated.
- Andrew Tillett
Michael Pezzullo: the life and genius of a geopolitical savant
The Home Affairs chief may be unusually gifted, but we’re well-primed to think that, given his whole public posture is designed to convey his genius.
- Myriam Robin
Home Affairs boss stands aside for investigation of texts leak
Michael Pezzullo will stand aside from his job as an independent investigation considers leaked text messages he exchanged with a Liberal Party powerbroker.
- Updated
- Tom McIlroy
August 2023
Strong practical help for firms hit by cyberattack
Firms and public agencies hit by cyberattacks are being promised a quick, compassionate and discreet response, aimed at minimising harms, says cyber defence leader, Abigail Bradshaw
- Tom Burton
July 2023
Probe ordered into offshore detention contracts
Former security mandarin Dennis Richardson will scrutinise contracts to operate offshore asylum seeker detention camps after claims of suspect payments.
- Updated
- Andrew Tillett