Incoming NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon faced tough questions at his first press conference, forced to defend his reputation over a drunken incident in Goulburn. Lanyon admitted to past mistakes, saying he now drinks in moderation and is more mindful of his behaviour.
“I have made mistakes in the past, and I’ve been open about [them],” he said. “I’ve always sought to learn from those experiences and to lead with honesty and accountability. Public confidence is earned, not just by … results but by consistency and transparency.”
After months of speculation and internal factional battles, Labor has appointed Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon as the next NSW Police Commissioner. Premier Chris Minns brushed aside two past controversies — a New Year’s Eve joyride on a police boat and a drunken altercation with paramedics — saying the role did not require a “lily-white” record.
Lanyon, who was seconded to the Reconstruction Authority, will take over on October 1 with backing from the NSW Police Association and outspoken police advocate Rod Roberts.
Minns also dismissed a 2021 incident in Goulburn, where paramedics found Lanyon drunk outside a motel near the police academy. Lanyon, then a deputy commissioner, reportedly told the officers to “fuck off” before phoning Ambulance NSW chief executive Dr Dominic Morgan.
Responding to questions on Wednesday, Lanyon said the Goulburn incident occurred more than four years ago and described it as “completely out of character”. He said he had personally apologised to the paramedics involved and now practises drinking in moderation.
“This is a 24/7 job, so it requires focus and integrity,” he added.
Premier Chris Minns, who last week flagged Lanyon as the frontrunner, defended the appointment, saying: “There’s not too many perfect people out there. If we’re only picking people with completely lily-white records, we’ll miss out on a lot of people who can contribute to public life”.
Lanyon steps into the role following the early departure of former commissioner Karen Webb, who left 18 months before her term was due to end — the first police chief since the Wood Royal Commission not to serve the standard five-year tenure following several controversies.
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