The NSW Reconstruction Authority are looking for a new CEO following the appointment of Mal Lanyon APM today as the 24th Commissioner of the NSW Police Force. 

Mr Lanyon was Deputy Commissioner and was appointed as Acting CEO of the RA in April 2024 after playing a significant role in the Northern Rivers flood recovery in 2022 when he was appointed the NSW Recovery Coordinator. He will commence his role on 1 October 2025 for a five-year term, in line with the Police Act. 

The appointment will be formally presented by the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism to the Governor at a meeting of the Executive Council later this week.

Deputy Commissioner Lanyon has served in the NSW Police Force for nearly four decades, including senior command positions across field operations and State Crime Command.

He has also played key leadership roles in major disaster response and recovery operations, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Over his career, Deputy Commissioner Lanyon has:

• Led major crime-fighting commands targeting gangs, firearms, and organised crime.
• Overseen the state’s metropolitan policing operations, responsible for thousands of frontline officers.
• Established Operation Amarok to target high-risk DV offenders.
• Played a central role in emergency management, including leading Northern Rivers flood recovery in 2022.

The NSW Government has made no secret of the fact the state is facing challenges in policing including recruitment and retention, youth crime, organised crime, and domestic violence. 

Deputy Commissioner Lanyon’s breadth of experience, from tackling organised crime to leading disaster recovery makes him the right person to confront these challenges with strength, credibility, and focus.

The NSW Government also thanked outgoing Commissioner Karen Webb APM for her 38 years of service to NSW Police and the people of NSW. 

Commissioner Webb will complete her work driving key domestic and family violence reforms on 30 September 2025.

Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell will return to his duties following his service as Acting Commissioner during the transition.

The appointment follows a merit-based recruitment process supported by a selection panel comprising the Secretaries of the Premier’s Department, The Cabinet Office and the Department of Communities and Justice.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said, “Mal has been chosen to be the 24th Commissioner of the NSW Police Force because of his exceptional leadership skills.”

“Deputy Commissioner Lanyon has dedicated his career to serving the people of NSW and leading from the front. I am confident he has the skills, experience and vision to guide the NSW Police Force into its next chapter.

“This is one of the most important leadership roles in our state. Deputy Commissioner Lanyon will be focused on tackling organised crime, strengthening safety in our regions, and supporting victims of domestic and family violence.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said, “Mal Lanyon brings almost four decades of impressive policing experience including working on the frontline, running the State Crime Command and leading thousands of officers during his time as Deputy Commissioner of Metropolitan Field Operations.”

“The NSW Police Force is the largest police force in Australia, and the importance of the role of Commissioner cannot be overstated. Mal is ready to hit the ground running and take our force into a new, bright era.

“We conducted a rigorous recruitment process, and I want to thank all applicants – we have an incredibly high calibre of talent within the NSW Police.

“I also want to congratulate outgoing Commissioner Karen Webb on 38 years of self-sacrifice. She leaves an extraordinary legacy – one which will be carried forward by Mal.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said, “It is an honour to be chosen for this role and to serve the people of NSW as Police Commissioner.”

“I look forward to working with the Premier, the Minister, my colleagues across the NSW Police Force, and with communities right across our state.

“Over my years in policing and emergency management, I’ve seen what makes this force strong, the unwavering dedication of officers, the commitment to upholding public safety, and a tradition of putting the service of others before themselves.

“As Commissioner, my focus will be clear: tackling organised crime, strengthening community safety in our regions, supporting victims of domestic and family violence, and ensuring public confidence in policing.”

The appointment of a new CEO for the NSWRA has not been announced.