Public servants are there to serve the public, hence the name.

They’re bound by a public service code of conduct, which means they can’t insert themselves into politics.

But that’s what one of the most powerful public servants in Australia, Mike Pezzullo, is alleged to have done.

The Home Affairs Secretary has stood down while an investigation is conducted into text messages he allegedly sent to a Liberal party powerbroker.

Today, Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast host Patricia Karvelas discusses the trove of secret messages allegedly sent by Mr Pezzullo and what they may mean for our governance.

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Patricia Karvelas, ABC Radio National Breakfast presenter