Mike Pezzullo’s recant will never be enough for his many critics, but his very public admission of his mistakes and regrets over his disgrace is a first step to his personal and professional redemption.

Pezzullo is a deeply spiritual man, and his comeback television interview on Monday was a genuine attempt at contrition. It came after the former Home Affairs secretary was terminated last year following 14 breaches of the public service code of conduct. He is understood to be the first secretary to be sacked for conduct breaches.