NSW Police cultural review costs revealed in seven-figure contract to former Victorian human rights commissioner

The full cost of conducting a review into claims of a toxic culture, sexism and bullying within the NSW Police workforce has been revealed.

The full cost of conducting a review into claims of a toxic culture within the NSW Police workforce has been revealed as hundreds of former and current officers are expected to provide evidence to the independent probe.

NSW Government contract registers have revealed a total of $1.78m will be paid by NSW Police for former Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kristen Hilton to lead a review into the force’s culture and working environment.

The review was prompted by reports of bullying, sexism, nepotism and a lack of mental health support that has resulted in some officers quitting the force.

There have also been claims of officers experiencing systemic bullying and being “sidelined” after making complaints to senior staff.

NSW Police commissioner Karen Webb – who announced her intention to launch the cultural review in October last year – has described the issues raised by whistleblowers as “horrific”.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and Police Minister Yasmin Catley at a budget estimates hearing in NSW parliament last month.

It is understood up to “hundreds” of serving and former officers are expected to take part in the review which will involve anonymous interviews, surveys, face-to-face workshops and written submissions.

Kristen Hilton – the sole director of a privately-listed Victorian company that was awarded the $1.78m contract to carry out the review – has previously led reviews into the workplace culture of Victoria Police and also advocates for gender equality within the firefighting and emergency sectors.

The review comes as latest figures show 1768 officers were on either on compensation leave or sick leave including for mental health reasons as of February this year – accounting for about one in every 11 officers in the police force.

Kristen Hilton will head up the cultural review.

NSW Police in a statement said it was too early to provide a breakdown of what the cost of the $1.78m contract would cover, but would include a focus on investigating ways the force can provide “a culturally safe, fair and supportive environment for all of our people”.

“In addition to the overall review, it will assess what is working, what may need to change and what will support NSW Police to attract and retain the talent and resources required as we move into the next generation of policing,” a police spokeswoman said.

NSW opposition police spokeswoman Paul Toole said the cost of the contract was a “ridiculous” amount of money to spend on a cultural review” and believes it could be better spent strengthening existing support programs.

“I don’t see how that amount of money can be spent on an internal assessment even taking into account support and administration fees,” he said.

“It also really highlights how deep and damaging these cultural issues might be within the force.

“Rather than spending this amount reviewing issues that already know are occurring, the money would be better spent on improving training, enforcement and policies that are already in place.”

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley – in information provided to parliament – said the review would provide direction on how to build a “more positive work environment and ensure everyone is treated in a fair and equal way.”

Any current officers or officers who have exited the force within the past five years will be eligible to participate in the review which is expected to be completed by early next year.

Originally published as NSW Police cultural review costs revealed in seven-figure contract to former Victorian human rights commissioner