Yuseph Deen appointed as chief executive officer of Northern Land Council
The Northern Land Council has appointed a new chief executive from interstate, following an extensive search after former boss Joe Martin-Jard exited the role earlier this year.
Indigenous Affairs
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The Northern Land Council has appointed a new chief executive from interstate, following a months-long search after former boss Joe Martin-Jard exited the role earlier this year.
Yuseph Deen will step in to the top job on December 9, replacing interim chief executive Jessie Schaecken.
Mr Deen is a descendant of the Far North Queensland based Wuthathi peoples, with connections to the Gunggandji and Torres Strait Islands.
He was head of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council from 2022 until his resignation in September.
Over a 25 year career working to secure and protect First Nations’ rights, Mr Deen has also worked with the North Queensland Land Council, the Indigenous Land Corporation, Lumbu Indigenous Community Foundation and the Western Cape Communities Trust.
“It’s an honour to be appointed CEO,” he said.
“I am deeply committed to continuing the important work of the NLC in protecting the rights and interests of traditional owners.
“Together with the NLC team, I will work to ensure that our people have a strong voice in land and sea management and that we continue to build sustainable futures for all Aboriginal communities.
“I look forward to leading the organisation during that crucial time.”
Council chair Matthew Ryan said the search for a new chief executive had started in June.
Former boss Mr Martin-Jard left his role days after Mr Ryan took up the role as chair in March, amid scrutiny of Mr Martin-Jard’s $460,000 salary and romantic involvement with a senior NLC policy adviser.
Mr Martin-Jard previously told Senate Estimates he did not design his remuneration package, denied any conflict of interest with the adviser, and said she did not report directly to him.
“I am confident that under the leadership of Mr Deen, the NLC will continue to be a powerful advocate for the rights of Aboriginal people and help drive positive change across our seven regions,” Mr Ryan said.
“Yuseph has a lot of experience in Indigenous affairs.
“He is committed to our communities, and his proven leadership skills make him the right person to lead the NLC into the future.
“I want to acknowledge and thank Mrs Schaecken who has led the NLC with integrity and dedication over the past seven months. She has guided the NLC through this time of transition, and we are very appreciative of everything she has done.”
The news comes just weeks after the National Anti-Corruption Commission raided the NLC’s Darwin office.
Mrs Schaecken said the NACC raid was in response to a report she had initiated earlier this year “on suspicion of corrupt conduct of a former employee”.
The NT News is not suggesting the raid was related to Mr Martin-Jard.
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