Mal Lanyon Named New NSW Police Commissioner
After months of speculation and a rigorous recruitment process, it’s now official — Mal Lanyon has been appointed as the next Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force. His promotion comes as Karen Webb prepares to retire at the end of September, closing her own 38-year career with the force.
Lanyon isn’t a newcomer to policing. In fact, he joined back in 1987 and has spent nearly four decades rising through the ranks. From heading the state crime command to serving as deputy commissioner since 2019, his career has been defined by some of the toughest assignments in law enforcement. Yet, his journey to the top hasn’t been without controversy, and he has openly acknowledged the mistakes of his past.
One incident that drew public attention occurred in 2021, when he was found intoxicated near Goulburn after a police event — a moment he later admitted was deeply regrettable. More recently, his decision to take family and friends aboard a police boat on New Year’s Eve in 2023 was also criticized. Lanyon has not shied away from these missteps, instead choosing to confront them directly. He said he has learned valuable lessons, stressing that public trust must always be earned through accountability and integrity.
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Premier Chris Minns made it clear that this appointment was not about finding someone with a flawless record but rather about finding someone capable of leading with strength during the state’s most difficult moments. Minns highlighted Lanyon’s work ethic and leadership, especially during his time leading the NSW Reconstruction Authority, where he played a key role in disaster management.
For Lanyon himself, the role is described as both an honour and a weighty responsibility. He has spoken about his vision for the force, promising a strong focus on tackling organised crime, gang-related violence, and domestic and family violence. He also emphasized the need to improve culture within the police, aiming to foster respect, professionalism, and unity among officers. In his words, he wants every member of the police — from the executive team to frontline officers — to feel they are part of “one team.”
Challenges certainly await. The NSW Police Force has faced criticism in recent years over its culture and handling of high-profile incidents, and recruitment and retention remain pressing issues. Police Minister Yasmin Catley acknowledged these difficulties but expressed confidence that Lanyon is the right leader to face them.
Karen Webb, the state’s first female police commissioner, leaves behind a complicated legacy. She was praised for championing reforms around domestic violence but also faced criticism over her handling of several major crises. Lanyon now steps into her shoes, inheriting both the weight of her legacy and the responsibility of shaping the future direction of Australia’s largest police force.
As he takes charge, the eyes of the state will be on Mal Lanyon — not just to see how he manages crime and safety, but how he rebuilds trust, unites a divided organisation, and proves himself as the leader NSW Police needs in the years ahead.
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