Indigenous land council sacks CEO Dion Creek over domestic violence charges
The Cape York Land Council dismissed its chief executive, rising Indigenous leader Dion Creek, after his arrest on charges of domestic violence and stalking.
One of Australia’s most powerful Aboriginal land councils has sacked its chief executive after revelations he was charged with serious domestic violence and stalking offences.
The Cape York Land Council board met on Thursday and voted to dismiss Dion Creek after he was arrested in Cairns last weekend.
Mr Creek, who in 2022 became the youngest CEO of the native title representative body, has been charged with 15 offences alleged to have been committed over the past five years.
They include four counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, one count of common assault and one count of unlawful stalking.
In a statement, the land council said it had “zero tolerance” for domestic and family violence.
“The board of the Cape York Land Council, at its meeting held on the 15th of August 2024, terminates the tenure of Dion Creek as chief executive officer with immediate effect,” the statement said. “Mr Creek’s tenure is terminated due to the serious nature of charges he is facing.
“The board expressed concern for the welfare of the victims of domestic violence.
“The board expressed its unequivocal support for state and federal government policies to stamp out domestic and family violence.
“The Cape York Land Council adopts a zero-tolerance approach, nor does it condone such behaviour.”
Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman this week suspended Mr Creek from the Torres and Cape Hospital Health Service board, with the official notice hand-delivered to his watch-house cell.
He was appointed to the regional health board in March.
Mr Creek appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court on Sunday and was remanded in custody until October.
Queensland police would not comment but it is understood the investigation has involved alleged violence against two women.
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