Dr Colin Dillon AM APM – Australia’s first Indigenous police officer
Joining the Queensland Police Force in 1965, Dr Colin Dillon displayed courage and determination in the face of entrenched racism, not only from other police, but also from his own people who declared him to be a “Sell-out” and “Traitor”. His determination saw him become a role model for other Indigenous people wanting to join the police force and a trail- blazer in breaking down racist barriers.
Joining the police force was a boyhood dream for Colin Dillon. Raised in the seaside town of Caloundra, Queensland, his desire was reinforced through the positive influence of the local police sergeant.
Colin is a respected Elder of the Kumbumerri peoples of the Yugambeh Nation. He was inducted into the Queensland Police Force in 1965.
At the time of his joining the Police Force, although he did not realise it, he was the first Indigenous person in the nation to join and become a full sworn member of a police force.
As Australia’s first Indigenous police officer, he was quick to realise that it would take strength and courage to stay the rugged course that lay ahead if he was to fulfil his life’s dream of being a police officer.
It was two years before the 1967 Referendum that introduced counting Aboriginal people in the nation’s census. It would be another decade before Australia was to ratify the 1975 Racial Discrimination Act.
“I took a stand that I would not be pushed out of the police force by the administration of the day because of the colour of my skin,” Dillon said.
“My stance in not quitting brought about a significant change in policy which paved the way for the eventual recruitment of other Indigenous people.”
“Today there are over 200 Indigenous people serving as sworn police officers and also Police Liaison Officers in the Queensland Police Service.”
In 1987, he again displayed considerable courage when he was the first serving police officer to voluntarily step forward and give first-hand knowledge under oath before the Fitzgerald Inquiry into Police Corruption. His evidence was instrumental in sending many corrupt police officers, including the police commissioner, to prison as well as a number of politicians.
Colin recounts much of that experience in his autobiography, Code of Silence, which he said was written primarily as a legacy for his grandchildren as well as other young people who one day might contemplate a career in the police service.
In a career spanning almost four decades, Colin rose to the rank of Inspector of Police.
He has a long list of achievements and awards to his name including commendations for bravery and good police work. He was awarded the Australian Police Medal received in 1992 and in 2013 he was made a Member of The Order of Australia (AM) for his services to the Indigenous community.
Colin received an honorary doctorate from the Queensland University of Technology in 2000.
For Dr Dillon, retirement from the police service does not mean an end to work. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board on Indigenous Radio Station, 98.9FM. He is a director on the Board of the Queensland Heart Foundation as well as a number of other committees.
“My message to all parents, that I always give and will continue to give, is to take a keen interest in your children's welfare, keep them engaged in healthy activities and encourage them to aspire to become good citizens and contribute in a worthwhile way to their community.”