Aboriginal corp sues sacked senior managers over alleged $345k spending spree using corporate credit cards

AN NT Aboriginal corporation that claims it was ripped off by two of its senior managers is suing the pair for allegedly using their corporate credit cards as personal piggy banks

AN NT Aboriginal corporation that claims it was ripped off by two of its senior managers to the tune of more than $300,000 is suing the pair for allegedly using their corporate credit cards as personal piggy banks.

Former Warlpiri Media general manager, Michael Taylor, and his 2IC, Wendy Phillips, were both sacked by the corporation following a meeting with chairwoman Valerie Martin and other board members in October 2017.

In documents filed with the Supreme Court, the corporation now claims Mr Taylor and Ms Phillips spent the money on groceries and luxury items, trips to the casino and overseas travel starting in January 2014.

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The documents outline a laundry list of allegedly personal expenses charged to the credit cards, including dinners at swanky restaurants throughout Australia running into the hundreds of dollars each.

Among the personal or “unknown” transactions listed as made by Mr Taylor are $250 worth of fireworks, $199 in video games and thousands in airfares, accommodation and dining expenses for trips to London and California.

The 160 page statement of claim details hundreds of allegedly illegitimate transactions, including from a trip to San Francisco in 2017 when Mr Taylor allegedly billed the corporation for a $393 seafood dinner and $538 spent at the local Apple Store.

Ms Phillips’ allegedly illegitimate expenses included more than $1000 in furniture, a $133 flower purchase and a $347 haircut along with purchases of clothing, accessories and a visit to the cinema.

In their filed defence, Mr Taylor and Ms Phillips deny ever having spent any money except as authorised by and for the benefit of Warlpiri Media.

Mr Taylor also rejects claims he was required to seek approval from the board for specific purchases and Ms Phillips said she received the required approval for expenses from Mr Taylor as delegated by the corporation.

“Expenses incurred by the first and/or second defendant (whether individually or jointly) were during the course of carrying out their duties and functions,” their defence reads.

“And all expenses incurred were appropriately approved in a manner that was accepted by the plaintiff.”

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Mr Taylor and Ms Phillips claim their termination was unlawful and the allegations put to them at the 2017 meeting with Ms Martin were “baseless and presented without any supporting evidence”.

“The first and second defendants had no meaningful opportunity to respond to the allegations,” their defence reads.

Warlpiri Media is seeking a total of $345,419 from Mr Taylor and Ms Phillips which the pair oppose as they deny spending any of the corporation’s money on anything other than legitimate work related expenses.

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