Concerns are being raised about Australia’s policing culture, with experts arguing entrenched masculinity within the police force is failing women and children – particularly in response to domestic and family violence.
The discussion has intensified following recent images of heavy-handed police responses at public protests, prompting broader questions about priorities, accountability and whether meaningful cultural reform is taking place within the system.
Image: Image: Unsplash/ Irham Setyaki
Produced By: Mary-Kate Hannagan
Featured In Story: Dr Alex Simpson – Associate Professor of Criminology, Macquarie University.
First aired on The Wire, Monday 23 February 2026