Mick Willing says he’s a ‘better candidate now’ for top cop job than he was 3 years ago
Back in 2021, Mick Willing was widely considered to be the frontrunner to be the next NSW Police Commissioner, only to be overlooked in favour of Karen Webb. Now, he’s thinking about throwing his hat in the ring again.
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The man who was pipped at the post by Karen Webb to become the police commissioner says he is an even “better candidate” now than he was three years ago, and is once again keen to become the state’s top cop.
Mick Willing was widely considered the front runner when Mick Fuller retired in 2021, but the sudden departure of then-premier Gladys Berejiklian and appointment of Dominic Perrottet threw the race on its head.
Mr Willing was ultimately overlooked in favour of Ms Webb, but after announcing she would be calling time on her career in September the race is once again on - and after three years out of the cops, the highly respected cop is “seriously considering” putting his hand up for the role.
“At the end of the day, if I throw my hat in the ring, it’s about the future,” Mr Willing told The Daily Telegraph.
“I do believe the organisation needs a reset and to build on where the previous commissioners have made positive progress.
“The organisation and most particularly the workforce, needs somebody who is future focused and has their best interests at heart.
“I think I’m a better candidate now, I’ve spent time in the private sector and I have an even broader experience than when I went for the role last time.”
Mr Willing built an impressive resume during his time in the NSW Police Force, as head of the Homicide Squad, the Counter Terrorism command, and as a Deputy Commissioner at the forefront of daily press conferences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
After departing the force, in recent years he has worked as the CEO of Fortem Australia which provides support to first responders and their families.
But he still has the itch to be a cop.
Mr Willing has been rumoured to be a top candidate for several policing jobs recently, including at the AFP and also the vacant Victoria Police commissioner position.
While he has thrown his hat in the ring for the role as NSW’s top cop, insiders say he will not be the favourite this time around.
Mal Lanyon, the current chief executive officer of the Reconstruction Authority, is considered the front runner.
Premier Chris Minns has over recent weeks been singing the praises of Mr Lanyon as he heads up flood recovery efforts on the mid north coast, referring to the disaster agency as “Mal Lanyon’s Reconstruction Authority” on multiple occasions.
Among the other top candidates likely to be considered to take over from Ms Webb, who was the state’s first female top cop, are current Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos, and Assistant Commissioners Scott Cook and Peter Cotter.
Highly respected Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson is not expected to put in for the job, unless the current situation changes.
Originally published as Mick Willing says he’s a ‘better candidate now’ for top cop job than he was 3 years ago
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