Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo has been accused of trying to intimidate a senator.
Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick said he received a "really unusual" call from Mr Pezzullo late last week, after publicly suggesting the national security tsar hated media scrutiny.
Senator Patrick said the Home Affairs boss suggested his comments - made in the wake of Australian Federal Police Raids on the ABC and a News Corp reporter's home - were slanderous before saying he wouldn't take further action.
Home Affairs boss Michael Pezzullo has denied the accusations of intimidation. Source: AAP
"The conversation was polite, it wasn't forceful," the South Australian told AAP on Tuesday.
"I wasn't offended by anything he said - he wasn't rude - but it's when I reflect on the purpose of this phone call that I get a little bit worried."
Senator Patrick believes the Home Affairs boss wanted to stop his criticism of the department.
Senator Patrick believes the Home Affairs boss wanted to stop his criticism of the department. Source: AAP
"In effect, this is the head of our security apparatus ringing up saying, 'Senator, I don't like you commenting the way you did'," he told AAP.
"He is paid well, he is not a coward in any way shape or form, he is a pretty tough guy.
"Maybe some other politician, who wasn't a former submariner, might be inclined to back off, but I don't."
AFP officers trawl through ABC emails and files watched on by the broadcaster's lawyers. Source: Twitter
Mr Pezzullo strongly denies the crossbencher's accusation.
"My sole request made to him by telephone was to ask that he reflect on his adverse references to my purported view of media scrutiny," Mr Pezzullo told the ABC.
"His comments were unfounded and not able to be responded to by me in the media as quite properly I lack the public platform that he has, and uses."
Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo Source: SBS News
