Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon has been appointed the 24th Commissioner of the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force, succeeding Karen Webb when she steps down at the end of September.
He will officially take over on Oct. 1, 2025 for a five-year term, with the appointment to be confirmed by the governor later this week.
The announcement comes as NSW faces significant policing challenges, including organised crime, youth offending, recruitment shortages, and rising reports of domestic and sexual violence.
Premier Chris Minns said Lanyon had been chosen for his “exceptional leadership skills” and ability to lead the force through a demanding new chapter.
Four Decades in Uniform
Lanyon has served for nearly 40 years in the NSW Police Force, working across frontline, command, and executive leadership roles.
He has overseen major crime operations targeting gangs, firearms, and organised crime, and has run metropolitan field operations covering thousands of officers.
He also established Operation Amarok, targeting high-risk domestic violence offenders, and played a central role in state emergency management, including leading the Northern Rivers flood recovery in 2022.
Beyond policing, he most recently headed the NSW Reconstruction Authority, coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said Lanyon was “ready to hit the ground running” and praised his experience in both crime fighting and emergency leadership.
In accepting the role, Lanyon said it was an “honour” to serve as commissioner and pledged to work with government, colleagues, and communities across the state.
Outgoing Webb will conclude her 38-year policing career on Sept. 30. During her tenure, she oversaw domestic and family violence reforms and guided the force through a period of heightened scrutiny and public expectation.
Minns and Catley thanked Webb for her long service and “extraordinary legacy.”
