In life you encounter a few control freaks. Even more politicians can be described thus. That's not a problem per se.

Significant dangers abound, however, when Attorney-General George Brandis exercises unwarranted control over other public officials.

Attorney-General George Brandis is under pressure following his very public stoush with Justin Gleeson and a series of controversies. Credit:Janie Barrett

Community confidence in the government and legal system has been undermined. The chances of the government adopting unlawful legislation or having to defend costly legal challenges have increased. And the pool of highly qualified candidates willing to risk public service during the Turnbull government's reign is being drained as we speak.

Senator Brandis, a QC and the nation's top law officer, carries much of the blame for jeopardising the statutory-defined independence of the Solicitor-General, Justin Gleeson SC, the nation's second-ranked law officer. The Attorney-General snuck in rules before the Senate to give him veto power over requests from ministers, including the Prime Minister, for advice from Mr Gleeson.