Mal Lanyon has defended his suitability for the role of New South Wales police commissioner after being named as Karen Webb's replacement on Wednesday. The 38-year veteran of the NSW police force faced intense questioning over past incidents, including a 2021 episode where he was found collapsed near Goulburn's 'Big Merino' sculpture after reportedly drinking excessively, and an admission that he took his wife and another couple aboard an operational police boat for New Year's Eve 2023.
Standing alongside Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley, Lanyon acknowledged his mistakes. 'I have made mistakes in the past, and I've always sought to learn from those experiences and believe in honesty, accountability and integrity,' he said. Regarding the Goulburn incident, he stated: 'I'm certainly mindful of my drinking,' adding that he had apologised to the paramedics involved and that the behaviour was 'completely out of character'.
Premier Minns defended the appointment, saying it was not based on a 'perfect record' but on who could provide 'exceptional leadership' during crises. 'This decision was not made based on who had the mistake-free, perfect record,' Minns said. 'It was based on who I believe should be in the commissioner chair on New South Wales' worst day.'
Lanyon, who has been a deputy police commissioner since 2019, has led major crime-fighting commands against organised crime and oversaw the state's metropolitan policing operations. He also established Operation Amarok, targeting high-risk domestic violence offenders. He was seconded to the NSW Reconstruction Authority in April, reportedly due to 'fractures in his relationship' with outgoing commissioner Webb.
As commissioner, Lanyon said he will focus on tackling organised crime, youth crime, strengthening community safety in regional areas, and supporting victims of domestic and family violence. He also pledged to improve police culture, aiming to 'cultivate a culture of respect, professionalism, and fairness'.
Commissioner Karen Webb officially retires on 30 September, with Peter Thurtell currently acting in the role. Webb's tenure was marked by controversy, including criticism over her handling of the alleged murders of Luke Davis and Jesse Baird by police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, and scrutiny over the Tasering of 95-year-old Clare Nowland in 2023.
