NSW Police Chief Loses Bid to Hide Protest Inquiry as October 19 Hearings Confirmed

By Danny Kontos

October 8, 2026

07:21 PM

3 min read

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Key Points

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon's bid for private hearings rejected October 8.

Public inquiry into February anti-Herzog protest begins October 19 with livestreaming.

Over 800 complaints filed over police conduct during the demonstration.

Body camera footage showed officer bragging about punching a protester.

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NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon failed to block public hearings into police conduct during February’s anti-Herzog protest in Sydney. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission rejected his September 9 bid to keep examinations private, confirming October 19 as the start date for public hearings with livestreaming. Over 800 complaints were lodged over police handling of the demonstration.

Police commissioner’s last-minute attempt rejected

Mal Lanyon submitted arguments on September 9 seeking private hearings and no livestreaming, just 12 days before hearings were scheduled to start. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission chief commissioner, Peter Johnson SC, said the timing was “more than regrettable” given the disruption to investigation preparation and public resources. The commission rejected all of Lanyon’s submissions on Thursday, October 8.

What the February protest revealed

On February 9, police clashed with thousands protesting Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit at Sydney Town Hall. Viral footage showed officers punching protesters, including people in their 70s and 80s, and forcibly removing Muslim worshippers during sunset prayers. Ten officers and numerous protesters were injured. Body-worn camera footage showed an officer bragging about punching a demonstrator.

How the inquiry will proceed

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission will hold an opening address on October 19, followed by five weeks of private examinations of witnesses. Senior commissioned officers will then give public testimony that will be livestreamed. More than 20 of the 30 people charged after the protest face a joint hearing in July 2027.

Political reaction and public interest

Greens MP Sue Higginson called Lanyon’s bid “an extraordinary attempt by police to suppress public examination of allegations of serious misconduct.” The commission stated it is “clearly in the public interest” that use of coercive police power be examined independently with appropriate public scrutiny. Four of the 30 charged protesters have had charges dropped.

Final Thoughts

Lanyon’s attempt to shield the inquiry from public view has failed. With hearings starting October 19 and livestreaming confirmed, the conduct of NSW Police during the February protest will face full public scrutiny. The rejection signals the watchdog’s commitment to transparency in examining allegations of police misconduct.

FAQs

Why did the police commissioner want closed-door hearings?

Lanyon argued witness examinations should be private and not livestreamed, citing procedural concerns about counsel assisting making opening statements. He questioned whether any examination should be public.

When do the public hearings start?

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission will hold an opening address on October 19, 2026, followed by five weeks of private witness examinations before public testimony from senior officers.

How many complaints were filed over the protest?

Over 800 complaints were lodged over how NSW Police handled the anti-Herzog protest on February 9, 2026, at Sydney Town Hall.

What did the body camera footage show?

A police officer was heard bragging about punching a protester, saying “I f***ing pumped that c***” and “then I punched him in the head when he was down.” His colleague laughed in response.

Disclaimer:
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About Author

Danny Kontos

Co Founder

Danny Kontos has been a stock investor since 2007 and co-founded Meyka in 2023. He keeps a small, focused portfolio and only moves when the numbers are hard to argue with. He has waited years on a single position before. Before Meyka, he ran a web hosting company and a mortgage lending platform, so he knows what a well-run business actually looks like under the hood. This article did not come from a news cycle. It came from someone who has been watching this space for a long time.