Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation has announced the appointment of Colin Garlett as its new Chairperson, marking a further step in the organisation's ongoing governance reset as it works to strengthen accountability, transparency and leadership for Whadjuk Noongar people.
Mr Garlett's appointment takes effect immediately and comes as the Board continues a broader program of reform aimed at rebuilding confidence, embedding stronger governance standards and reinforcing cultural leadership following a challenging period in the corporation's recent history.
The appointment signals continuity in reform rather than a change of direction, with the Board positioning the new Chair as a custodian of an already-underway governance agenda.
In his first public comments as Chair, Mr Garlett said his focus would be on accountability, clarity and ensuring the corporation's decisions deliver tangible benefits to Whadjuk families.
"I am deeply committed to serving the Whadjuk people, strengthening our relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring the work of this corporation delivers real and lasting outcomes for our families," he said.
A central element of the governance reset is a directive from the Chair to commission forensic audits covering every year of the corporation's operation, from its establishment to the present. The decision reflects a move to address historic governance concerns and provide members with assurance about financial management and organisational integrity.
"A key priority for me as Chair is establishing clear accountability at the Board level," Mr Garlett said. "To support this, I have directed that forensic audits be undertaken for every year of the corporation's operation, back to its establishment. This is about transparency, good governance and ensuring we are accountable to our members."
The move is unusual among Aboriginal corporations, where audits typically focus on recent reporting periods. Governance specialists say such an approach can help draw a clear line between past challenges and a future operating model grounded in stronger controls, clearer reporting and renewed member confidence.
Mr Garlett stressed that the audits should be understood as part of a forward-looking reform process rather than a reflection of concern about current governance arrangements.
"I have full trust and confidence in the Board and in the decisions we are making together," he said.
"We are united in our intent to strengthen this organisation and to act in the best interests of Whadjuk people."
The Board has also reaffirmed its support for chief executive Leon Ruri, who was appointed in June 2025 and has been leading operational reform and organisational stabilisation. Mr Garlett said continuity at the executive level was critical as governance reforms continue.
"I fully support Leon's leadership as CEO and the operational decisions being made under his guidance. Those decisions are strengthening the organisation and guiding Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation toward a positive and sustainable future," he said.
Mr Ruri welcomed Mr Garlett's appointment, describing the new Chair as bringing steady leadership at an important moment for the organisation.
"I congratulate Colin on his appointment as Chair and welcome his leadership," Mr Ruri said.
"I have strong belief in the Board as a whole and in its commitment to delivering the right outcomes for Whadjuk community and our stakeholders. Together, we remain focused on governance, accountability and progress."
Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation was established following the landmark Noongar Native Title Settlement to represent and advance the interests of Whadjuk Noongar people across metropolitan Perth. Its responsibilities include cultural stewardship, land and asset management, and facilitating economic and community development outcomes linked to settlement arrangements.
Like many post-settlement Aboriginal corporations, Whadjuk has operated under heightened scrutiny, reflecting the scale of its responsibilities and the expectations placed on organisations managing significant assets on behalf of their members.
Governance reform has increasingly become a focus across the sector, driven by regulatory oversight, member expectations and the need to maintain credibility with government, commercial partners and the broader community.
Industry observers say the decision to continue a governance reset under new chairmanship, rather than declare a clean break, is a signal of institutional maturity. By acknowledging past challenges while maintaining continuity of reform, the Board is positioning the corporation as stable, self-reflective and responsive to its members.
The Board has indicated that findings from the forensic audits will be used to inform further governance improvements, strengthen internal controls and improve transparency in reporting to members. Any recommendations arising will be considered alongside reforms already underway at both Board and management levels.
For Mr Garlett, restoring and maintaining member confidence sits at the centre of the Chair's role.
"Our responsibility is to our people. Strong governance is not an abstract concept. It is the foundation that allows us to deliver cultural, social and economic outcomes that endure," he said.
As Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation continues its governance reset, the appointment of a new Chair, the endorsement of existing executive leadership and the commitment to deep financial scrutiny together signal an organisation intent on reinforcing its role as a trusted institution for Whadjuk Noongar people, now and into the future.
