Darwin fraud allegation case adjourned
Court proceedings in Darwin against Indigenous business owners Natalie and Dallas Wynne, and Michael Buckley over fraud allegations took another turn last week as prosecution lawyers requested a ten-week adjournment to review further evidence.
Police have alleged a conspiracy to influence awarding building contracts to M + Builder and a subsidiary company.
The three defendants, Michael Buckley, 41, Dallas Adrian Wynne, 48, and his wife Natalie Wynne, 40, were charged with fraud concerning nearly $71 million in Commonwealth Defence contracts in November last year.
Commonwealth prosecutor Ingrid Ibbet told the court there were a lot of electronic devices seized on the day of the arrest that still required review.
Alleged scheme
“My clients deny the allegations and, concerningly, it’s not apparent from the prosecution summary — or the evidence served so far — how the prosecution intends to prove these allegations,” defence lawyer Matthew Huuber said, adding that no further adjournments should be granted.
Dallas Wynne has an additional charge of abuse of public office, carrying a potential five-year imprisonment.
The alleged scheme reportedly involved channeling nearly $71 million in building contracts to companies they controlled.
All three were arrested by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in November 2025, following raids on their homes and businesses in Darwin.
Bail was granted under strict conditions, including mandatory police reporting, non-contact orders, surrender of passports, and restrictions on the use of encrypted messaging apps.
Bail conditions
The case was adjourned for further investigation, with a preliminary examination mention scheduled for April 28.
During the adjournment the defendants, who were not in court, must maintain their existing bail conditions.
Despite the charges, Michael Buckley continues to operate his building business, and M+J Builders remains functional.
During the raid in November Australian Federal Police seized $30,000 in cash, documents, electronic devices and jewellery.
The Department of Defence has cooperated with the AFP and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) following an internal report, emphasising public confidence in the integrity of Defence procurements.
