NSW Police Culture Review Finds Widespread Bullying, Discrimination, and Sexual Harassment
An independent review of NSW Police culture has found that bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment are occurring at systemic levels, with 30 per cent of surveyed staff reporting being bullied in the past five years and a pervasive culture of silence discouraging reporting. The review, led by former Victorian human rights commissioner Kristen Hilton and released on 11 June 2026, was launched in March 2025 following media investigations into widespread misconduct within Australia's largest police force. Commissioner Mal Lanyon accepted all 29 recommendations and pledged reform, but acknowledged the force has 'a long way to go.'
An 18-month independent review into the culture of NSW Police has found bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment are entrenched and systemic, with one in three of the more than 5,100 survey respondents reporting being bullied in the past five years and one quarter reporting discrimination. Women, First Nations staff, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ employees were disproportionately affected, and the review found that without exception every woman who came forward described experiences of harassment or belittlement. Nine per cent of participants reported sexual harassment and one per cent reported sexual assault over the same period. A pervasive culture of silence and retaliation was identified as a major barrier to accountability, with just 13 per cent of staff making formal complaints and many describing speaking up as 'career suicide.' The report, led by former Victorian equal opportunity and human rights commissioner Kristen Hilton, made 29 recommendations covering leadership diversity, recruitment, promotions transparency, complaint processes, and mental health support, including the establishment of in-house psychologists and greater involvement of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission. Commissioner Mal Lanyon accepted all recommendations and said he was committed to reform, while Hilton expressed confidence that significant change was achievable within a two-year timeframe provided independent oversight of implementation is maintained.
What's missing
Neither source provides comparative data on bullying or discrimination rates relative to other police forces or emergency services, which would help contextualise whether the findings reflect a sector-wide problem or one specific to NSW Police. Additionally, no binding accountability mechanism for implementing the 29 recommendations is detailed beyond the two-year aspiration mentioned by Hilton.
How coverage differed
Both outlets reported the findings in broadly similar terms, though the Sydney Morning Herald provided more granular detail, including specific quotes from survey respondents, statistics on women in leadership, and particular allegations such as the sergeant's sexual threat and academy 'choke holds,' giving its coverage a sharper focus on individual experiences of harm. ABC Australia's coverage emphasised the institutional response and Commissioner Lanyon's commitments more prominently.
What different sources said
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
‘This is unacceptable’: Bullying, discrimination rife in NSW Police
- ABC AustraliaCenter
Live: Culture in Australia's largest police force 'unacceptable'
Related
UNRWA Fires 70 Gaza Staff Members, Denies Terminations Validate Hamas Allegations
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has dismissed 70 employees in Gaza with immediate effect, citing safety and security risks. The move follows a USAID investigation that referred over 100 UNRWA staff for suspension or dismissal, and longstanding Israeli allegations that significant portions of the agency's workforce have ties to Hamas. The firings mark a significant but contested step in addressing accusations that have dogged the agency since the October 7, 2023 attacks, while UNRWA insists the dismissals are not an admission of guilt.
China's Tungsten Export Controls Ripple Through Global Supply Chains, From AI Chips to Weapons
China's 2025 export restrictions on tungsten have triggered price surges, potential production halts at Japanese semiconductor gas manufacturers, and a push to revive domestic mining in the United States. Tungsten, of which China produces over 78 percent of global supply, is critical to both advanced AI chipmaking and military munitions. The disruptions are exposing deep vulnerabilities in Western and Asian supply chains for a material with few short-term substitutes.
Rain Delays Start of India vs Afghanistan 1st ODI in Dharamshala
Persistent drizzle has delayed the toss and cast doubt over the first ODI between India and Afghanistan at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. The meteorological department issued an orange alert for June 12 warning of thunderstorms and hail across parts of Himachal Pradesh, with a 60–70% chance of showers forecast throughout the day. The delay threatens what would have been a historically significant match — the first-ever bilateral ODI series between the two nations.