NSW Police watchdog orders reinvestigation into Sydney LGBTQIA+ venue raids

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has ordered the New South Wales Police Force to reopen a misconduct investigation into drug raids conducted at several LGBTQIA+ venues on Sydney’s Oxford Street in June.

The order follows an internal police review that concluded no misconduct, unlawful conduct, or policy breaches had occurred during the operations at venues including Universal, Kinselas, and Palms. However, LECC Commissioner Anina Johnson disagreed with the police assessment and invoked statutory powers to direct a formal investigation.

The raids, which took place during Pride Month, involved searches of 93 people and resulted in 42 drug detections. Patrons and local officials, including Sydney Member Alex Greenwich and Lord Mayor Clover Moore, reported aggressive behavior, including being shoved, forced to remove clothing in front of crowds, and subjected to verbal abuse by officers.