What is the $71M Defence Contract Fraud Scheme?

Three individuals, including a Commonwealth Defence employee, have been accused of conspiring to influence the awarding of $71 million worth of Defence building contracts to their own company for financial gain.

Who are the key people involved in the $71M Defence Contract Fraud Scheme?

The three accused are Michael Buckley, the director of a construction firm, and a married couple, Dallas and Natalie Wynne. Dallas Wynne is a Commonwealth Defence employee.

What is the current status of the $71M Defence Contract Fraud Scheme investigation?

The three accused have been granted bail on strict conditions, and the matter is expected to proceed to a Supreme Court trial in the coming months. Investigations are ongoing.

Home / Crime and Justice / Trio Arrested in $71M Defence Contract Fraud Scheme

Trio Arrested in $71M Defence Contract Fraud Scheme

18 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

Three accused of fraud and corruption in $71M Defence contracts
Arrests follow joint investigation sparked by Defence tip-off
Suspects granted bail on strict conditions, face Supreme Court trial

Trio Arrested in $71M Defence Contract Fraud Scheme

In a major corruption case, three individuals have been arrested and charged for their alleged roles in a $71 million fraud scheme involving Defence building contracts in Australia. The arrests, which occurred last Friday, followed a joint investigation between several agencies after the Department of Defence reported irregularities in the awarding of the lucrative contracts.

The accused are Michael Buckley, the director of a Northern Territory construction firm M + J Building, and a married couple, Dallas and Natalie Wynne. Dallas Wynne is a Commonwealth Defence employee, and the authorities allege that he, his wife, and Buckley conspired to influence the awarding of the contracts to their own company for financial gain.