LECC to investigate police over serious misconduct in Lindy Lucena case

2025-08-16

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has confirmed in a letter to Greens MP Sue Higginson that it will investigate whether the conduct of police officers involved in the response to the assault, manslaughter and death of Ballina woman, Lindy Lucena, amounted to serious misconduct or serious maladministration.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice, Sue Higginson said:

"This is a significant and necessary step towards justice for Lindy Lucena, her family and her community. On the night Lindy was violently assaulted and later died, a witness called triple-0 to report the incident just minutes from the Ballina Police Station. It took 55 minutes for police to respond and, when they did, they remained in their vehicle and failed to properly investigate the location,”

“The NSW Police have already interfered with justice for Lindy by refusing to declare her death a critical incident. This decision denied an immediate investigation with any oversight into the circumstances of the police failure of Lindy. When police fail in their duty in such serious circumstances, it should not be for police to investigate police to decide if their conduct was appropriate or not,”

“The NSW Police Force’s own Domestic and Family Violence Policy commits to a timely and professional response. Lindy got neither of these and it was clearly as a direct result of the actions of the police officers involved. This is why the LECC’s role is so important and I’m glad that they have agreed to undertake this investigation,”

“It shouldn’t come down to the family and loved ones of people who are failed by the police, or who are made victims by the police, to have to demand these types of investigations. Where police have had a role in the death of anyone, there should be an automatic and strong investigation by a truly independent and well-resourced watchdog,”

“My thoughts remain with Lindy’s family, friends and the Ballina community as they continue to seek justice for a loving mother, sister and local woman."

LECC Letter to Sue Higginson attached.