The next commissioner of the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force could be appointed within days, following a statement from Premier Chris Minns. This comes as the department prepares for the retirement of Karen Webb, the first female to lead the force, whose term concludes on September 30, 2023. While several candidates are in contention, the premier has not confirmed whether one of the frontrunners, Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, remains a serious contender.
Webb announced her retirement in May after three years in the role, prompting discussions regarding her successor. Lanyon has faced scrutiny lately due to reports suggesting he took his wife and friends on a police boat during New Year’s Eve celebrations on Sydney Harbour in 2023. The controversy has raised questions about his suitability to lead the police force.
Premier Minns indicated on Friday that a decision regarding Webb’s replacement could be reached as early as next week. However, he refrained from discussing Lanyon’s candidacy specifically. “I’m not going to make a long commentary about a selection process that for understandable reasons should take place between us and the people who apply,” Minns stated during a press conference. He emphasized that the government has yet to finalize its choice for police commissioner.
While Minns expressed confidence in the government’s progress toward appointing a new commissioner, he acknowledged the complexity of the selection process. “People do make decisions, sometimes they’re bad decisions, me included, and there’s not too many perfect people out there,” he remarked when asked about the potential for finding an ideal candidate.
Potential Candidates Under Consideration
In addition to Lanyon, other notable candidates for the role include Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood and Deputy Commissioner David Hudson. Peter Thurtell, another deputy commissioner, has been appointed as interim police commissioner while the selection process unfolds.
Experts suggest that while there are capable leaders within the ranks of NSW Police, the government may also consider candidates from outside the organization. This approach could broaden the pool of qualified individuals available for the role.
Webb’s departure has led to speculation about her tenure, particularly regarding claims that she was pushed out of her position. However, earlier this year, she firmly denied such allegations, reinforcing her decision to retire of her own accord.
As the government moves closer to a conclusion in its hiring process, the appointment of the next police commissioner remains a topic of significant public interest. The chosen individual will assume leadership at a critical time for the NSW Police Force, tasked with navigating the challenges of modern policing and public trust.
