Oxford Street Pride Month Raids, June 2026

On 13 June 2026 — during Pride Month — NSW Police conducted aggressive drug raids on Oxford Street gay venues: Universal, Kinselas, and Palms. Ninety-three people were searched; 42 drug detections were recorded; one charge was laid. The raids occurred under Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon (#24).

The raids prompted Garry Wotherspoon — historian, 78er, and member of the NSW Police LGBTQIA+ Consultative Committee — to resign from the committee. In a letter to Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker, he said the raids sent a “chill.” Sydney MP Alex Greenwich and Lord Mayor Clover Moore filed a complaint with the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), which compelled Commissioner Lanyon to investigate.

Stub — further research needed on the outcome of the LECC complaint and any subsequent changes to police practice.