NSW Police Chief Loses Bid to Keep Protest Inquiry Private; October 19 Hearings Confirmed

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon tried to block public scrutiny of an inquiry into police conduct during Sydney’s February 9 anti-Herzog protest, but the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission rejected his bid on Thursday. The watchdog will proceed with public hearings starting October 19, with live-streamed opening statements and senior officer testimony. Over 800 complaints were lodged over police handling of the protest.

Why Lanyon sought to close the hearings

On September 9, Lanyon’s legal team argued that witness examinations should happen in private and not be livestreamed. They claimed the watchdog had no power to hold broad public submissions during an ongoing investigation. Lanyon also questioned whether counsel assisting could make opening statements. The bid came just 12 days before public hearings were set to begin on September 21.

What the watchdog decided

LECC Chief Commissioner Peter Johnson SC called the timing “more than regrettable” and rejected Lanyon’s arguments. The commission confirmed public hearings will begin October 19 with a live-streamed opening address. Private examinations will run for five weeks before public hearings of senior commissioned officers begin. Johnson said the delay wasted public resources and disrupted preparation for the inquiry.

What happened on February 9

During the protest at Sydney Town Hall, police clashed with thousands of demonstrators opposing Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit. Viral footage showed officers punching multiple protesters and forcibly removing Muslim worshippers mid-prayer. Ten officers and numerous demonstrators were injured, including people in their 70s and 80s. Thirty people were charged afterward, though four charges have since been dropped.

What comes next

Operation Makalu will examine allegations of unnecessary brutality and misconduct. More than 20 charged protesters face a joint hearing in July 2027. The watchdog stated that public scrutiny of police use of coercive power is essential in a democracy, especially given the scale of community concern across Western Sydney’s Islamic communities and civil liberties advocates.

Why this matters for Australians

The decision affirms the right to public oversight of police conduct. Lanyon’s attempt to shield the inquiry from public view raised questions about institutional accountability. The live-streamed hearings will allow Australians to assess whether police used proportionate force and whether command structures made proper decisions during the protest.

Final Thoughts

The watchdog’s rejection of Lanyon’s bid protects public transparency in police accountability. Australians will now see senior officer testimony live-streamed starting October 19, ensuring independent scrutiny of conduct during the February protest.

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