Shame is old hat

February 21, 2025

It seems shame is an anachronism. As Paddy Gourley amusingly, but darkly, suggests, some ghosts who should remain just that are coming back into focus, assisted by the hugely comedic and deadly Murdoch juggernaut. Mark Pezzullo for one.

An independent inquiry into the latter’s conduct as secretary of home affairs found Pezzullo had breached the rules on at least 14 occasions in relation to “overarching allegations” including using his power, status or authority “to seek to gain a benefit or advantage for himself, failing to act apolitically, failing to disclose a conflict of interest and failing to maintain confidentiality of sensitive government information”. (The Guardian, 27/12/2023).

He lost his job, but obviously feels he can speak with authority about how the government should be run, ie by the Coalition. In the event of a Coalition Government, is he positioning himself for rehabilitation and reappointment? That would not be very amusing for those working towards greater integrity in Canberra.