CPSU and George Brandis say Michael Pezzullo’s position is ‘untenable’

The messages between Michael Pezzullo and Liberal powerbroker Scott Briggs prompted an immediate referral to the Australian Public Sector Commission. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

The public sector union and the former attorney general George Brandis say Michael Pezzullo’s conduct has left his position untenable.

Meanwhile, the media union has demanded action on “disturbing” reports that the former home affairs boss sought to censor journalists and criminalise some forms of national security reporting.