New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner Karen Webb will step down on Sept. 30, concluding a three-year term at the helm of the state’s police force.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley announced Webb’s retirement during a parliamentary session on May 7.
Webb informed the government of her plans to retire well in advance, providing time for an orderly recruitment process to find her successor.
Premier Chris Minns acknowledged her leadership, stating she “stood tall in moments of crisis” and delivered “lasting changes.”
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman thanked her for her “long and loyal service” and urged the government to move swiftly in appointing a successor.
Catley commended her work, saying, “She has been a force for change and reform, focused on the safety and wellbeing of the New South Wales police—she will leave a significant legacy.”
Reform, Legacy, Leadership
Sworn in during a 2022 ceremony in her hometown of Boorowa, Webb became the first woman to lead the NSW Police Force and served as its 23rd commissioner.She will retire just as she reaches 38 years of service in policing.
In her close to four-decade-long career, Webb oversaw the launch of a domestic and family violence register, issued a formal apology over past failures to address gay hate crimes, and initiated a review into internal police culture amid claims of bullying and sexism.
In response to a staffing crisis, she worked with Catley to implement paid training for recruits and negotiated a pay rise of up to 40 percent, placing NSW officers among the best paid in Australia.
While Webb’s tenure featured notable achievements, it was also marked by public controversies.
She was criticised for her handling of the 2023 tasering death of 95-year-old Clare Nowland, with her office’s initial statement failing to mention that a taser had been used.
Additional scrutiny followed the alleged murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davis, believed to have been committed by an off-duty officer.
Webb’s remarks at the time, including quoting lyrics from Taylor Swift—“haters are gonna hate”—in response to criticism, drew backlash.
Her office also attracted negative attention after it was revealed that it paid nearly $700,000 in termination payments to four media advisers in under two years.
Further controversy emerged when she failed to disclose a personal connection to the supplier of custom-labelled gin purchased as gifts. She later banned the use of public funds for alcohol.
Despite these challenges, Webb’s supporters say she pushed through significant reforms and opened doors for future female leaders in law enforcement.
