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FAQs – LECC Investigation into the police operation responding to the Sydney Town Hall Protest (Operation Makalu)
These FAQs explain the role of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), what Operation Makalu is investigating, how information is handled, and what protections apply to people who provide information about the Sydney Town Hall protest on 9 February 2026.
What is the LECC?
LECC is the independent and specialist oversight body for the NSW Police Force and NSW Crime Commission. We do not work for police. We are separate from, and completely independent of, the NSW Police Force, and the NSW Crime Commission.
What are we investigating?
LECC has initiated Operation Makalu to investigate the lawfulness and appropriateness of NSW Police Force conduct at the police operation held at Sydney Town Hall, and surrounds, on the evening of Monday 9 February 2026. This includes the conduct of individual police officers against people who attended the protest.
How will we conduct our investigation?
LECC is collecting and reviewing video and phone footage, documents, records and other information from the NSW Police Force and the public. LECC staff will also speak with people who were present at the protest.
LECC will be using its investigative powers under Part 6 of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission Act 2016 (LECC Act).
Can I still provide information to the LECC?
LECC is interested in gathering information that is not already publicly available. This includes video footage, photographs, or other documentary evidence. You can scan the QR code or click here (even if you have already made a complaint).
Will there be hearings?
Operation Makalu will include hearings (called examinations) where the LECC will hear from witnesses who may be NSW Police Force police officers, or people who attended the protest.
Some of these hearings will be held in public. This means that the community and the media can attend.
What will witnesses be asked to do?
We know that for some people, it may be difficult to talk about what happened at the protest. Our staff are trained to gather information in a way that limits the distress this can cause.
Meeting with a LECC staff member to be interviewed about what happened at the protest is voluntary, and witnesses can change their mind (and withdraw consent) at any time.
Witnesses can choose to attend meetings or interviews with a support person. There is a list of support services here.
If I’ve been interviewed do I also have to give evidence in a hearing?
Being interviewed does not mean a witness will be required to attend a public or private hearing (called an examination).
Most people who speak to the LECC will not be examined, but the information you may provide is important for us to have a full understanding of what occurred.
If a person is called to give evidence, the presiding Commissioner can decide that a person giving evidence should not be identified. That person can then give their evidence using a pseudonym. Compliance with a pseudonym order would apply to everyone, including the police and the media.
Are there protections for people providing information to the LECC?
Intimidation, bullying or harassment of a person assisting the LECC is a serious criminal offence.
Part 6A of the LECC Act provides protections for people who choose to assist the investigation. These protections do not prevent lawful investigation or prosecution.
Can the police access the information or materials provided to the LECC?
No. The police do not have access to information or material provided to the LECC.
Information you give to the LECC is protected and is not automatically shared with police.
There are strict privacy provisions which protect the information held by the LECC.
The LECC and its staff members cannot be required to give evidence or produce documents, except in a narrow range of circumstances.
Can information gathered in Operation Makalu be used in criminal proceedings against people at the protest?
LECC information cannot be accessed by the NSW Police Force, unless LECC decides to disclose it.
A person who gives evidence in an examination may seek a declaration from the presiding Commissioner so that self-incriminating answers cannot be used against them in criminal proceedings. This is routinely done at the start of an examination.
Will my information be shared with the NSW Police Force?
The LECC may need to share information with police so that police can respond to allegations or concerns about individual officers or actions of the NSW Police Force generally. Before we share information, we will do our best to identify the people involved and get their consent.
Information may also need to be given to the police to allow the NSW Police Force to take action, particularly if the Commission recommends disciplinary action against police officers. We will try to seek consent from the people involved before we do this.
Sometimes, information held by the LECC shows such serious conduct by police officers that the LECC must share that information with the NSW Police Force, even if the person involved has not consented.
When will the investigation finish?
Operation Makalu will have several parts:
- Information gathering - collecting and reviewing video footage, speaking to people, and reviewing documents.
- Hearings (or examinations). Some of these will be open to members of the public.
- Writing a report on our findings.
The final investigation report will be provided to Parliament and published on the LECC website.
How can I stay up-to-date about Operation Makalu’s progress?
The LECC website will be updated regularly with information about the investigation.
Concerns?
The Inspector of the LECC is an independent statutory officer responsible for overseeing the operations and conduct of the LECC.
Further information can be accessed here: The Inspector of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission - Office of the Inspector of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission
Questions?
If you’ve got questions, please email contactus@lecc.nsw.gov.au
Witness support services
The following services are available if you require access to free, confidential mental health support in Australia:
13Yarn: 13 92 76 – 24/7 free Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders crisis support line
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 – 24/7 free telephone and online counselling
Hayat Line: 1300 993 398 - emotional support for suicide prevention with compassion, connection, rahma, nasihah, and hope. Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST
JewishCare: 1300 133 660 - counselling to community members during office hours.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services
Medicare Mental Health: 1800 595 212 – free service (Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm) that connects you with mental health support
Mensline Australia : 1300 789 978 - 24/7 free professional telephone counselling for men
Muslim Women’s Association: (02) 9750 6916 counselling and support services, including support to access to Legal Aid NSW.
NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511– 24/7 free telephone service to access NSW mental health services
QLife: 1800 184 527 – phone or webchat peer support from 3.00pm to midnight for LGBTQIA+ people
Transcultural Mental Health Line: 1800 648 911 - phone service (Monday to Friday, 9.00am-4:30pm) that supports people who live in NSW and who are from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
Victims Services NSW: 1800 633 063 - secondary Victims (CALD‑sensitive): Witnesses who are psychologically affected by witnessing serious misconduct, violence, or harm may qualify as secondary victims. Free counselling is available through approved counsellors, many of whom are bilingual, culturally competent and experienced working with CALD community