One Rav4, one BMW, one Jaguar, three Mercedes-Benz - these were the work cars the senior staff of Alpha Support Services drove when under contract to provide for some of the state’s neediest children.

Ultimately, the money for the vehicles came from the taxpayer

The Federal Court has heard in liquidators' examinations that government funds flowed in unauthorised contracts from a not-for-profit charity to companies controlled by convicted criminals.

Samantha Madigan and the Jaguar. Credit:Nick Moir

Guardian Youth Care, the out-of-home care provider that went bust after an alleged $20 million misappropriation, outsourced the bulk of its work to Alpha Support Services. Family and Community Services has said the money was misappropriated in subcontracts that were never approved in writing as required.