The Board of Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation has ordered a full forensic audit of the organisation's financial and governance history, extending back to its establishment, in a move aimed at restoring member confidence and resetting the foundations of the Perth-based Aboriginal corporation.

The decision was taken yesterday, according to a formal announcement to members issued by the Board, and marks a significant expansion of earlier audit commitments.

The Indigenous Business Review and National Indigenous Times first reported earlier this month that Whadjuk had commissioned a forensic audit of its most recent financial year. In the announcement issued to members, Chair Colin Garlett confirmed that the Board has now resolved to extend that process to cover every year of the Corporation's operations since its establishment.

Mr Garlett said the decision was made with the unanimous support of the Board and reflected a clear commitment to transparency and accountability.

The scope of the forensic audit will extend beyond financial records to include a comprehensive review of governance decisions involving related party benefits. This will include scrutiny of Whadjuk ILUA Rulebook clause 10.7, which requires member approval for related party transactions, and an assessment of compliance with Division 290 of the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.

According to the Board, the review will apply to all directors who have served during the Corporation's history and is intended to establish whether required member approvals were properly sought and obtained where related party benefits arose.

The Board has acknowledged that the audit may identify matters that give rise to potential breaches of the CATSI Act, including conduct that could constitute criminal breaches. Any such findings will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

"This is about restoring faith in Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and its leadership," Mr Garlett said. "It is about allowing the full financial truth of this organisation to be established, so we can deal honestly with the past and move forward with integrity and unity."

The announcement marks a further step in a broader governance reset at Whadjuk, which has undergone significant leadership change over the past year following a period of instability and public scrutiny.

Late last year, the Corporation faced concerns about its financial position and governance arrangements, including the resignation of its former chair amid liquidation fears. Since then, the Board has moved to stabilise the organisation, appointing new leadership and signalling a stronger focus on governance, risk and compliance.

Earlier this month, Whadjuk confirmed the strengthening of its leadership team and the commissioning of a forensic audit, describing the process as necessary to rebuild trust with members and stakeholders. Yesterday's decision to expand that audit to all financial years provides greater clarity on the scope of the work and the legal framework under which it will be conducted.

The Board has given a firm undertaking that the findings and recommendations of the forensic audits will be reported back to members in full.

Members will be informed of the outcomes, the facts as established, and the actions the Board intends to take in response.

"Our members deserve honesty and openness," Mr Garlett said. "This process is about resetting our foundations, strengthening our governance, and ensuring Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation moves forward with confidence, accountability and purpose."

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation was established as part of the Noongar Native Title Settlement and holds responsibilities across land management, cultural heritage, economic development and community benefit on behalf of Whadjuk Noongar people.

In recent months, the Corporation has sought to reposition itself as a credible and trusted partner, including through new cultural heritage service arrangements and a renewed emphasis on governance reform.

The Board said it remained committed to acting in the best interests of members and to governing the Corporation in a way that reflects the values, expectations and future aspirations of Whadjuk people.