This Month
- 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
‘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
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
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
- Analysis
- Government Observed
Identity reforms open new era of personalised government
The ambitious aim to have a working digital identity system up and running by the middle of next year paves the way for a raft of personalised government services.
- Tom Burton
Meet the air force commander in charge of Australia’s cyber defences
Darren Goldie has begun his role as Australia’s first cyber coordinator by treating the HWL Ebsworth breach like a flood or bushfire emergency.
- Paul Smith
March
- Opinion
- Tech Observed
Optus and Telstra unite in cyber battle
In the aftermath of its massive cyberattack Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin cut a lonely figure, but now even Optus’ bitterest rivals are in her corner.
- Paul Smith
‘No victims’ of Optus data hack: CEO
A defiant Kelly Bayer Rosmarin said while Optus made mistakes related to the 2022 hack, no customer has suffered any financial loss from the massive data leak.
- Lucas Baird
Russian hackers will face a more ‘hostile’ Australia: Home Affairs
Home Affairs chief Mike Pezzullo said Russian hackers must be brought to heel, while Telstra’s cyber boss said the Optus hack could have happened to anyone.
- Jessica Sier
Home Affairs to be restructured in response to new threats: O’Neil
The Home Affairs minister has tasked secretary Michael Pezzullo with reorienting the department’s focus towards domestic security challenges.
- Tom McIlroy
December 2022
Inside the Optus hack that woke up Australia
The telco’s CEO, Kelly Bayer Rosmarin, gives her first interview about the cyberattack that caused a political storm and revealed the power of personal data.
- Paul Smith
November 2022
Optus’ first briefing with minister on September 24 over hack
Optus chief Kelly Bayer Rosmarin briefed the Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil on September 24 on its massive data breach.
- Lucas Baird
August 2022
- Analysis
- Government Services Summit
Who will lead on digital identity?
Getting a working digital identity system is critical to the deployment of personalised services that save users from having to deal with multiple government agencies.
- Tom Burton
July 2022
Morrison blamed for election day asylum seeker stunt
The former Morrison government instructed Home Affairs to publicise the interception of an asylum seeker boat on election day for political purposes.
- Phillip Coorey
February 2022
Digital incoming passenger card takes off
From Friday, international travellers landing in Australia will complete an online form 72 hours ahead of travel, replacing the outdated paper card on flights.
- Tom McIlroy
