New state police boss didn’t have to be ‘mistake-free’
Kat Wong |
Australia’s newest police chief has been forced to defend himself in a heated back-and-forth, prompting his political master to argue the incoming boss didn’t have to be “mistake-free”.
Mal Lanyon was appointed to the top job in NSW on Wednesday, ending a months-long search that was plagued by speculation and rumours.
Though the veteran NSW police officer has long been considered the frontrunner for the commissioner role, leaks about a drunken episode and a decision to bring his close circle onto a police boat for the Sydney fireworks continue to follow him.
Immediately after the announcement, Mr Lanyon was forced to field questions from reporters about the 2021 incident near the Goulburn police academy when he was found drunk on the footpath and abused ambulance officers.
“I deeply regret the circumstances of that evening and they were completely out of character,” he told reporters.
Mr Lanyon also expressed regret for inviting his wife and two friends onto a command post on Sydney Harbour on New Year’s Eve in 2023, although he said their presence had no impact on police operations.
Premier Chris Minns said Mr Lanyhon had performed in some of the toughest jobs, including heading up Sydney metropolitan policing, the force’s statewide crime command and leading squads targeting high-risk domestic violence offenders.
“This decision was not made based on who had the mistake-free, perfect report,” Mr Minns said.
“For me, it was based on who I believe should be in the commissioner’s chair on NSW’s worst day.”
After almost 30 minutes of repeated questioning about Mr Lanyon’s past, the premier jumped to his defence.
“He’s very open in relation to the mistakes he’s made,” he said.
“You can have an opinion on this appointment, you can have an opinion on Mal’s career. But … to just tarnish him with that kind of question is unfair in the circumstances.”
Mr Lanyon spent the past 18 months on secondment leading the disaster-focused NSW Reconstruction Authority.
He beat contenders – like acting Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell, Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood and Deputy Commissioner David Hudson – to replace Karen Webb, who was the force’s first female leader.
Mr Lanyon will officially take the reins in a week, overseeing more than 16,000 sworn officers and a $5.6 billion annual budget.
Appointed deputy police commissioner in 2019, Mr Lanyon was seconded to the Reconstruction Authority in 2024 after helping lead flood recovery efforts in the Northern Rivers in 2022.
The hunt for a new top cop began after Ms Webb announced she would finish her term 18 months early.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman congratulated Mr Lanyon on his appointment.
“His leadership has been tested in disaster zones and in tackling serious crime, and he has delivered every time,” he said.
The police union also lauded the “strong leader”.
“Along with his team of deputies, we believe it’s a group to lead us through the current challenges we see facing the NSW Police,” president Kevin Morton said.
One of Mr Lanyon’s top priorities when he takes office will be to unite the force, which is well-known for sniping and leaks against senior leadership.
“I want … to cultivate a culture of respect, professionalism, fairness and support,” he said.
“I want every officer, every member of the executive to feel part of one team, united behind the force’s goals, motivated by purpose and committed to serving the communities of NSW.
“The people of NSW deserve a police force they can trust.”
AAP
