By Wendy Yang -
Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon has been appointed as the next Commissioner of the NSW Police Force.
With a career spanning over 37 years, Lanyon has led major crime fighting commands targeting gangs, firearms and organised crime, supervised metropolitan policing operations and formed Operation Amarok to focus on high-risk DV offenders.
Lanyon has also played a key role in emergency management, such as leading the Northern Rivers flood recovery in 2022. His most recent appointment was Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
In announcing the appointment, the NSW Government acknowledged the state is facing ‘challenges’ in policing including recruitment and retention of police, youth crime, organised crime, and domestic violence. It also acknowledged that Lanyon’s experience in dealing with organised crime to disaster recovery is well suited to addressing these challenges.
Outgoing Commissioner Karen Webb will finish her term on 30 September 2025 and Lanyon’s five-year term will commence on 1 October 2025.
The Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley offered her congratulations to Webb on her almost four decades of self-sacrifice and her “extraordinary legacy” which she said will be carried forward by Lanyon.
“Mal Lanyon brings almost four decades of impressive policing experience including working on the frontline, running the State Crime Command and leading thousands of officers during his time as Deputy Commissioner of Metropolitan Field Operations.”
“The NSW Police Force is the largest police force in Australia, and the importance of the role of Commissioner cannot be overstated. Mal is ready to hit the ground running and take our force into a new, bright era,” said Catley.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said “Deputy Commissioner Lanyon has dedicated his career to serving the people of NSW and leading from the front. I am confident he has the skills, experience and vision to guide the NSW Police Force into its next chapter.
“This is one of the most important leadership roles in our state. …”
The Commissioner-elect expressed his gratitude at being selected. “It is an honour to be chosen for this role and to serve the people of NSW as Police Commissioner.”
“I look forward to working with the Premier, the Minister, my colleagues across the NSW Police Force, and with communities right across our state,” said Lanyon.
He also outlined his priorities as Commissioner. “[M]y focus will be clear: tackling organised crime, strengthening community safety in our regions, supporting victims of domestic and family violence, and ensuring public confidence in policing,” he said.
The announcement of the new Police Commissioner has brought a competitive recruitment process to an end. Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell, who was appointed as the Acting Commissioner after outgoing Commissioner Karen Webb announced her resignation in May this year, will return to his duties.
Thurtell acknowledged Lanyon’s skills as a respected leader and his dedication to public service. He also attested to Lanyon’s expertise and commitment to community safety.
“The NSW Police force is in safe hands. Under Commissioner-elect Lanyon’s leadership, we can move forward with confidence to meet the challenges ahead and continue delivering for the people of New South Wales,” said Thurtell.
President of the Law Society of NSW Jennifer Ball also extended her well wishes. “On behalf of the solicitor profession, the Law Society of NSW congratulates Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon on his appointment as Commissioner of the NSW Police Force.
As a steward of law enforcement in this state, the Commissioner has a central role in the maintenance of the rule of law, and in preserving public confidence in the justice system.
The Law Society looks forward to working with Mr Lanyon in these efforts,” she said.
