Three people facing serious fraud and corruption charges linked to Defence building contracts worth over $70 million have been released on strict bail conditions.
Michael Buckley and married couple Dallas and Natalie Wynne appeared at Darwin Local Court on Monday after a weekend in custody following their arrests last Friday.
The Allegations and Investigation
The arrests stem from a major joint agency investigation launched after the Department of Defence reported irregularities in the awarding of contracts. The contracts, valued at nearly $71 million, were awarded to Northern Territory business M + J Building and a subsidiary.
The Australian Federal Police alleges that Dallas Wynne, a Commonwealth Defence employee, conspired with his wife, Natalie, and Michael Buckley—the director of M + J Building—to influence the awarding of lucrative building contracts to their own company for financial gain.
The investigation was sparked by a tip-off from the Department of Defence itself, leading to a series of simultaneous raids on Friday. AFP officers, with support from Defence and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), executed search warrants at multiple businesses and homes across Darwin.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
During Monday's hearing, the Crown did not oppose bail. Judge Jonathan Bortoli ultimately granted it, but imposed stringent conditions, noting the gravity of the accusations.
Judge Bortoli stated, 'There are always risks, in particular flight risks... when there are large sums of money allegedly obtained through deception.'
The trio's bail conditions are severe. They must:
- Surrender their passports
- Not leave the Northern Territory without permission
- Report to police once a week
- Possess only one mobile phone each
- Not use any encryption devices
After signing their bail papers, the three were escorted by family and supporters past a waiting media pack to cars outside the court.
Charges and Industry Fallout
All three defendants face a charge of dishonestly gaining a benefit from a Commonwealth entity, specifically the Department of Defence. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
Dallas Wynne faces an additional charge of abuse of public office, which carries a maximum jail term of five years.
The case has sent ripples through the local building industry. Following his arrest, Michael Buckley was stood down from his role as a board member of the peak body, Master Builders NT.
The court heard that the matter is likely headed for a trial in the Supreme Court. Their next court appearance is scheduled for February 17.
Meanwhile, the AFP's investigation continues. During Friday's raids, investigators seized a significant haul of evidence, including phones, laptops, a firearm, jewellery, $30,000 in cash, and a small quantity of an illicit substance.
AFP Superintendent Greg Davis emphasised the seriousness of the alleged crimes, stating, 'Defrauding the Commonwealth is a crime that prevents public funds from being used to support the wider Australian community. We will not hesitate to investigate suspected criminal activity to bring offenders to justice.'
