Native title body focus of inquiry

A troubled Pilbara native title group will be the subject of an inquiry ordered by federal regulators.

Buurabalayji Thalanyji Aboriginal Corporation chief executive, Matthew Slack. Source: BTAC

A federal regulator has ordered an examination of a troubled ­Pilbara native title group led by a chief executive who has been ­accused by his own members of falsely claiming to be indigenous.

The Australian revealed in April about half of the 60 members of the Buurabalayji Thalanyji Aboriginal Corporation had signed a statement allegin­g they were being “oppressed­” by the organisation.

BTAC chief executive Matthew Slack also faces accusations that he applied for the role in 2016 using a resume that contained a number of untruths about his tertiary qualifications and profes­sional experience.

The members’ statement cited serious doubts about Mr Slack’s claim to have indigenous heritage, although it is not a ­requirement of the job.

The Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations said yesterday BTAC’s books would be examined by AMD Chartered Accountants. “The authorised officers are entitled, at all reasonable times, to full and free access to the books of the corporation and any related body corporate,” an ORIC statement said.

“They may also make copies of, or take extracts from, any document related to the examination. The authorised officers are also entitled to seek explan­ations on any matter about the compilation of any of the corporation’s books, or to which any of the books relate.”

Last week, Mr Slack was in the West Australian Supreme Court over a defamation action against a senior Aboriginal member of BTAC who has been critical of his leadership. The court was told Mr Slack is suing Frances Hayes over two emails she sent him and others in April.

BTAC said in a statement: ‘In view of the misinformation that has been conveyed to the media, BTAC welcomes ORIC’s proposed examination of the books of BTAC. ORIC conducts routine examinations every year and as you would be aware ORIC completed 18 examinations in Western Australia in 2017-18 out of a total of more than 50 in Australia” .