A review into the culture of the New South Wales Police Force has laid bare serious problems with bullying, harassment and discrimination inside the organisation. The report, established under former Commissioner Webb, was released with the current Commissioner Lanyon accepting all of its recommendations. Police Minister Yasmin Catley and the New South Wales Government have backed the findings, describing the response as the right thing to do. The review sets out a path to what officials called a fairer, more modern and more transparent police force.
The section of the report dealing with harmful behaviours was singled out as especially difficult to read. About 30 percent of people who answered the survey said they had experienced bullying in the last five years, while one in four said they had experienced some form of harassment or discrimination. These figures were presented not as abstract numbers but as the lived experience of serving and former officers. The scale of the responses pointed to a problem embedded in the everyday working life of parts of the force.
Beyond the behaviour itself, the review highlighted a troubling barrier to fixing it. According to the findings, most people who observe or experience misconduct do not feel they can report it. The report noted that it is not easy for a more junior member to speak out against misconduct when they fear retaliation or consequences for their career. The conclusion drawn was that the example must be set by leadership, with clear accountability for poor and unlawful behaviour.
The review also pointed to a lack of trust in how officers are promoted. People spoke about the need for more independence and transparency in the promotions process, and said that too often progression was based on familiarity and connection rather than merit. The report acknowledged that work is already underway to transform the way promotions are handled. That admission framed the promotions system as one of the clearest targets for reform.
Particular concern was raised about the experience of women and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. The review found they face ongoing barriers when it comes to development and promotion, especially if they are attempting to work flexibly. While there were some excellent examples of flexible work, it remained a hard-fought-for exception rather than the norm. The report warned that the consequences are real, with people leaving the force when they cannot balance their personal and professional commitments.
The toll of the job itself also featured heavily in the findings. The review described listening for hundreds of hours to women and men who carry with them scenes of unimaginable trauma, along with experiences of risk, danger and fatigue. Many said they did not get the right support after a critical incident, although the report noted this is beginning to change. There was widespread support for significant investment in mental health support within the organisation, and a desire for more proactive help.
With all 29 recommendations accepted, attention has turned to how they will be carried out. Commissioner Lanyon thanked the Minister and the government, and acknowledged former Commissioner Webb for establishing the review. Minister Catley said it was very hard to read some of the personal accounts and that the conduct described was simply unacceptable, insisting officers deserve a safe and respectful workplace. Pressed on whether the necessary funding would be allocated to implement the recommendations, the Minister began to respond as the questions continued, with the government stressing that implementation would be tracked and audited.