Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM has been formally named the 24th Commissioner of the NSW Police Force, commencing his five-year term on 1 October 2025.
NSW Premier Chris Minns praised the appointment, saying: “Mal has been chosen to be the 24th Commissioner of the NSW Police Force because of his exceptional leadership skills.”
“I am confident he has the vision and experience to guide the force into its next chapter.”
The appointment, to be officially presented by the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism to the Governor later this week, follows a merit-based recruitment process involving senior government officials.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said Mr Lanyon’s leadership and breadth of experience would “take the force into a new, bright era.”
Mr Lanyon, who has served in the force for nearly four decades, brings extensive experience from senior command roles in field operations, State Crime Command, and major disaster recovery efforts, including his leadership of the Northern Rivers flood recovery in 2022 and his recent tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Over his career, he has spearheaded operations against organised crime and domestic violence offenders, overseen metropolitan policing, and played central roles in emergency management.
Mr Lanyon described the role as an honour, pledging to prioritise tackling organised crime, strengthening regional safety, and supporting victims of domestic and family violence.
He replaces Commissioner Karen Webb APM, who steps down on 30 September after 38 years of service, including her leadership in advancing domestic and family violence reforms.
Acting Commissioner Peter Thurtell will return to his duties following the transition. He welcomed the appointment saying, “Commissioner-elect Lanyon is a highly accomplished and respected leader.”
“Having worked alongside him for many years, I can attest to his operational expertise and commitment to community safety, which has earned him the respect of colleagues across the organisation.”
This is Mr Lanyon’s second bid for the top job, having previously been overlooked in 2021 when Ms Webb became the first woman to lead the force.
With more than 37 years of policing experience, including modernising the State Crime Command and leading high-stakes recovery efforts, Mr Lanyon now takes charge of Australia’s largest police force at a time when it faces pressing challenges including recruitment, youth crime, organised crime, and domestic violence.
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