Today the Government released the report of the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, Michael Pezzullo AO, regarding the decision of the former government to direct the public announcement of SIEV 915 on the day of the 2022 federal election.
The former government had a duty to protect Australia. Instead, they sabotaged the protocols that protect Operation Sovereign Borders for political gain. Their actions undermined the integrity of this complex operation, making it more difficult and dangerous.
The report found uniformed Border Force and Defence Force members, and public servants, acted with integrity and at the highest standards at all times. They should be commended for doing so.
‘The profound compromise of a military-led operation is without precedent in Australia’s history. It was disgraceful, shameful, and characteristic of a national government which frequently pursued political interests above the national interest.
That is something the Albanese Government will never do.
