NSW Police culture review reveals systemic bullying, harassment, discrimination and leadership failures
Consensus Summary
An independent review of NSW Police, led by former Victorian human rights commissioner Kristen Hilton, revealed systemic bullying, harassment, discrimination, and a culture of silence within Australia's largest police force. Over 5,100 current and former staff participated, with 30% reporting bullying and 18% experiencing verbal abuse or threats in the past five years. Nine percent reported sexual harassment, and 1% reported sexual assault, with many victims fearing retaliation or career consequences for speaking up. Commissioner Mal Lanyon accepted all 29 recommendations, including greater diversity in leadership, improved mental health support, and stronger accountability measures. The review also found a lack of trust between management and staff, outdated systems, and an insular mindset stifling progress. Police Minister Yasmin Catley pledged external audits to ensure transparency in implementing the changes, emphasizing the need for NSW Police to reflect the community it serves. The findings follow an ABC investigation that initially exposed the toxic culture, and the review was commissioned nearly two years ago by former commissioner Karen Webb.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- An independent culture review of NSW Police found 30% of 5,100+ respondents reported being bullied in the past five years, with 18% experiencing verbal abuse or threats.
- The review was commissioned in response to an ABC News investigation uncovering widespread allegations of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and lack of mental health support.
- Commissioner Mal Lanyon accepted all 29 recommendations from the review, calling the findings 'unacceptable' and vowing to implement cultural change.
- Kristen Hilton, former Victorian human rights commissioner, led the review and found systemic bullying, discrimination, and retaliation against those who spoke up.
- 9% of respondents reported experiencing sexual harassment in the past five years, while 1% reported being sexually assaulted.
- The review found a culture of silence and retaliation, with employees fearing career consequences for reporting harmful behavior.
- Police Minister Yasmin Catley stated the government is taking the review 'very seriously' and will audit implementation of recommendations externally.
- The review highlighted a lack of diversity in leadership, with only one female commissioner and two female deputy commissioners in over 100 years of women serving in NSW Police.
- The review was released on June 11, 2026, following nearly two years of investigation.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The review found 25% of respondents experienced discrimination in the past five years, with women, First Nations staff, LGBTQI+ employees, and those with disabilities most targeted.
- The report cited a culture of 'serious stigma' around mental health support, with officers reluctant to seek help due to fear of being labeled 'damaged goods'.
- Commissioner Lanyon mentioned a Four Corners investigation revealing disturbing cases of NSW Police brutality since 2020.
- The review recommended establishing an in-house critical incident support unit with qualified psychologists.
- One interviewee stated, 'bullying is as much a part of this organisation as wearing a uniform'.
- The review found that 44% of sexual harassment cases involved inappropriate physical contact, including touching, hugging, cornering, or kissing.
- Some probationary officers were targeted for sexual harassment by field training officers responsible for their training and performance.
- Every female employee who participated in the review had experienced or observed 'overt or covert harassment, undermining, and belittlement'.
- The review found an 'insular mindset' in parts of the organization, stifling good ideas and local initiatives.
- The main reason police were leaving the force was due to a lack of 'people-centred management'.
- The review noted that while there are examples of cultural change and inclusion in some commands, leadership failures were widespread.
- The report stated that equity, safety, and respect in policing are 'created, modelled, and protected by leaders'.
- The review found distrust and disconnect between management and staff, with frontline officers describing outdated or inflexible systems.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The ABC states 25% of respondents experienced discrimination in the past five years, while the Guardian does not provide a specific percentage for discrimination but emphasizes systemic barriers for women and minorities.
- The ABC reports that 1% of respondents experienced sexual assault, while the Guardian does not provide a specific percentage for sexual assault but highlights widespread sexual harassment and fear of retaliation.
Source Articles
Culture in Australia's largest police force 'unacceptable'
Bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment are occurring at "unacceptable levels" within the NSW Police Force and employees are too afraid to speak up, an independent report has found.
‘Punished’ for speaking up: culture of bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination in NSW police
Report says incivility and victimisation ‘at unacceptable levels’ within force and current culture presents ‘systemic risk’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Every female employee of the NSW police force who participated in a wide-ranging review into its culture had experienced or observed “overt or covert harassment, undermining and belittlement”, a scathing report has found. Undertaken by former Victorian equal o