Business executives charged over alleged embezzlement of Voyages' Ayers Rock Resort

Two senior business executives have appeared in court accused of defrauding an Indigenous-run luxury tourism company of almost half a million dollars, in a daring embezzlement scheme that went undetected for months.Graham Heaselman and James Parry stand charged with one count each of obtaining benefit by deception

His co-accused and Tristar co-director, James Parry, is alleged to have conspired with Mr Heaselman when he submitted invoices for documents such as electrical safety and scaffold procedures totalling $469,920 over a four-month period in 2017. "Hi James, the Voyages team appreciates your prompt service," Mr Heaselman was alleged to have responded.

In June, Mr Heaselman requested his authority to approve purchase orders be increased from $5,000 to $10,000 and that his corporate credit card limit be increased to $10,000. The requests were approved on the same day. Then-CEO Andrew Williams approved the new safety plan, but told Mr Heaselman to make sure they were not "off-the-shelf" policies.Around this time, it is alleged Mr Heaselman gave a presentation to Voyages' board of directors in Sydney on the development of a three-year work health and safety management plan for the company.

Before the pandemic, tourism comprised 4.2 per cent of the NT economy, with $2.6 billion each year circulating through accommodation businesses and tourism operators.Court documents allegedly showed that between May and August, deposits totalling more than $285,000 were transferred from Tristar into Mr Heaselman's personal bank account, while Mr Parry and Ms Popkiss were each transferred about $50,000.

Following a search of the company database, prosecutors claimed they were unable to find any evidence of work produced by Tristar.Referendum poll looms as Yes and No campaigns make last-ditch efforts to convince voters

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