The Australian philanthropist and the alleged $1.6 million sequin-studded fraud

It's shaping up to be a story of profound betrayal – if the allegations are proven in court. On the one hand is one of Australia's most influential and richest philanthropists, a woman who doesn't use email or indeed a computer. On the other is her personal secretary, whom she entrusted with access to her intimate personal and financial details. Today, chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont on the case of Judith Neilson, Annalouise Spence and the alleged $1.6 million sequin-studded fraud. Background reading Kate McClymont's story – ' Profound betrayal': The billionaire and her secretary's $1.5m sequin-studded fraud. And 'Overwhelming case': Billionaire's ex-secretary refused bail over alleged $1.6m fraud.

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The Australian philanthropist and the alleged $1.6 million sequin-studded fraud is an episode from Please Explain by The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.

This episode is 14:58 long.

This episode was published on Apr 28, 2026.

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