Acting secretary of home affairs Stephanie Foster would not comment during senate estimates on whether she had referred stood-down Mike Pezzullo to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
With the inquiry underway, which former APS commissioner Lynelle Briggs is leading, Foster referenced her general obligations on NACC referrals.
“As [with] all agency heads all PGPA authorities, I have an obligation to refer where I have a reasonable suspicion around corrupt activity,” Foster said.
When asked by Labor senator Raff Ciccone whether she had specifically referred Pezzullo to the commission, Foster would not comment while the inquiry was underway.
Pezzullo was asked to stand aside a few weeks ago, when it was revealed by media reports he had been communicating with a Liberal party powerbroker. Since then, the secretary agreed to stand aside while Briggs conducted an inquiry into the allegations.
It is also the first senate estimates since the NACC was established, which commenced on July 1.
Ciccone also asked Foster about an $80,000 contract awarded to DPG Advisory. Scott Briggs, whom Pezzullo is alleged to have been contacting, is a partner at the organisation. The AFR reported earlier this month Briggs was on leave, although he is no longer on the firm’s website.
The acting secretary, again, deferred to the ongoing inquiry.
“The government has obviously asked the public service commission to conduct such an inquiry into those matters, and they are doing so,” Foster said.
“We would support that inquiry in whatever way we can, but we’re not conducting a separate inquiry.”
Senate estimates were told questions about the inquiry would best be directed towards the APSC. The commission is scheduled to appear at senate estimates on Tuesday.
Foster also revealed Pezzullo was still on his full salary, which is $914,659.
During her opening statement, Foster said the allegations surrounding Pezzullo were met with “significant shock”.
“This has been an incredibly difficult time for all of us in the organisation, a tough four weeks in the face of sustained and often distressing media reporting,” the acting secretary said.
“I pay tribute to the Home Affairs leadership team for stepping up so strongly to sustain the organisation through this period.
“Most importantly, though, I want to acknowledge and express deep appreciation for the resilience, commitment and professionalism of our 15,000-odd staff, who have pulled together in extraordinary circumstances to deliver their critical functions without missing a beat.
“They have been simply fabulous.”
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Home Affairs boss Mike Pezzullo stands down over Liberal texts
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