The head of the Victorian and Tasmanian Aboriginal legal services has been stood down following allegations of sexual assault and rape.

Wayne Muir, a Yorta Yorta and Barkinji man who has been the chief executive of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) since 2011, was stood down by the organisation’s board of directors on Thursday following a report on the ABC’s 7.30 program.

That program aired detailed allegations from four women ranging from sexual harassment to rape and dating from 1987 to 2003.

Muir has denied the allegations.

“Given the seriousness of these allegations we advise that Mr Muir has been stood down from his position as CEO,” the VALS board of directors said.

“VALS acknowledges the deep community concern about these matters and reiterates our ongoing commitment to working towards justice for all Aboriginal people.”

Guardian Australia has sought clarification on whether Muir has been stood down permanently or temporarily.

Muir has been a central figure in Aboriginal justice movements in Victoria for more than 30 years.

In 2015 VALS took over the Aboriginal legal service contract in Tasmania from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, making Muir the CEO of the legal service in both states.

“As a community controlled organisation devoted to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we advocate for the right of every person to be treated with dignity and respect,” the VALS board said.

“We understand the concern in the broader community around the impact of this story.”