Revealed: Leaked messages from Canberra's most powerful public servant

But if you think it's the government of the day in Canberra that's calling all the shots, after seeing this story you might think again.

Encrypted text messages obtained legally and leaked to 60 Minutes, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age expose the highly inappropriate actions of one of our most senior public servants. 

Michael Pezzullo is the boss of Home Affairs, the department responsible for Australia's national security.

He's supposed to be independent and apolitical but that's not the way he operates.

Pezzullo has been wielding extraordinary power from the shadows, interfering in government and doing all he can to build an impenetrable empire.

Statement from Scott Briggs

"I can confirm that I have had communications with Mike Pezzullo over a long period of time, commencing in 2016 and continuing through to the present. The nature of those communications were always private matters.

"The matters raised never related to any procurement and I made sure that my relationship with Pezzullo was always formally disclosed as required. I also complied with any direction received from DHA (Department of Home Affairs) in relation to those communications."

Response from the Department of Home Affairs to questions put to the Secretary, Michael Pezzullo

"The Department of Home Affairs has long standing policies in place to address Conflicts of Interest, which apply to all employees, including the Secretary. The Department is committed to continued transparency and accountability in all its endeavours. Any allegations, accompanied by any relevant evidence, should be referred to the appropriate authorities."

Watch the full episode of 60 Minutes on 9Now.