Mardi Gras 2025: Hats off to Police Commissioner Karen Webb’s uniform decision

NSW Police will march again in tonight’s Mardi Gras parade, and for the first time ever, all officers will be able to wear the same hat. Follow our mardi gras coverage here.

You’d be excused for thinking something looks slightly different about the state’s top cop.

That’s because on the day of the 47th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, the NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has announced female officers can now wear the same hat as their male colleagues.

She said the historic decision was about moving with the times and creating unity for the 7500-plus women in the force.

“It’s about diversity and equality, and giving women a choice ... if female officers would like to wear the men’s hat now, they are welcome to,” she said.

“That’s what I’ll be doing.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb pictured wearing her new hat. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Up to 15,000 people are expected to line Sydney’s Oxford Street on Saturday night for the event, which starts at Hyde Park and ends at Moore Park.

Among the 200 floats will be a large contingent from the police force, including Ms Webb, who said she relished the chance to cheer on the LGBTQIA community.

The old NSW Police female standard issue hat. Picture: Supplied

The NSW Police male standard issue hat, which can now be worn by all officers. Picture: Supplied

“This is a really important event on the NSW Police calendar and I’m really proud to be going along, it’s a great night of celebration,‘ she said.

A vote to ban police from this year’s event was overruled when the Mardi Gras committee voted in favour of allowing officers to attend, in an effort to “strengthen relationships between the force and LGBTQIA community”.

This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLO) and their service to LGBTQIA communities.

Corporate Sponsor for Sexuality, Gender Diversity, and Intersex, Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker, said there were more than 380 GLLOs working across the state, in metropolitan and regional areas, who were dedicated to building trust and confidence between the NSW Police Force and LGBTIQA communities.

“GLLOs are a contact point for members of LGBTIQA+ communities, as they utilise skills, knowledge and experience, to ensure the best policing response is provided,’ Ms McCusker said.

“This milestone underscores our ongoing commitment to developing and delivering effective and sensitive policing responses that are accessible to all.”

A high-visibility police presence will monitor the event to ensure public safety both in the CBD and on transport.

Assistant Commissioner Rod Smith said police had been working closely with parade organisers to ensure a safe environment for both parade participants and spectators.

“There will be major road closures in the city, and we encourage people to use public transport,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“We also ask people to drink responsibly, know their limit and look after one another.”

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