Lobbying Firm Fake Assistant Jessica Icac Hearing 2026

The Icac hearing into a lobbying firm linked to the Reformers revealed the creation of a fake administrative assistant named 'Jessica', raising questions about political donations and branch stacking in Australia.

During the second day of evidence at the Independent Commission Against Corruption's Operation Rosny, consultant Jeremy Greenwood admitted that 'Jessica' was a fictitious persona invented by his colleague Christian Ellis. The fake name was used in invoices sent to Catholic Schools NSW, a prohibited donor, to conceal the true nature of payments.

Icac Investigation into Beckington and Reformers

The inquiry is examining whether the former lobbying company Beckington, co-founded by Greenwood and Ellis, accepted illegal donations to fund factional work for the Reformers, a Christian conservative group within the Liberal Party. The practice of branch stacking, while not illegal, is under scrutiny because the donations may have violated electoral laws.

Greenwood testified that he could not recall whether Beckington paid Reformers members for recruitment activities, but he did acknowledge a payment of $12,000 to Jean-Claude Perrottet, brother of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet. He described Perrottet as his 'favourite friend' but denied knowing if the money was for recruitment work.

Fake Invoices and 'Jessica'

The court heard that in 2020, Beckington sent invoices to Catholic Schools NSW signed 'Kind regards, Jessica'. When questioned, Greenwood explained that Jessica was a fake admin name created by Ellis for 'silly humour'. The counsel assisting, Peggy Dwyer SC, did not find the joke amusing, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.

This revelation adds to the growing evidence of deceptive practices within political fundraising, potentially undermining public trust in the electoral process.

Comparison of Donation Practices

Key Takeaways from the Icac Hearing

• Fake identities like 'Jessica' can be used to obscure financial transactions.
• Branch stacking may involve prohibited donors, raising legal risks.
• Political parties must ensure strict compliance with donation regulations.
• The Icac investigation could lead to significant reforms in political funding.

Implications for Political Integrity

The case highlights the need for stronger oversight of lobbying firms and political donations. As the inquiry continues, more details may emerge about the extent of the Reformers' activities and the involvement of other individuals.

For now, the public is left to wonder how common such practices are and whether existing laws are sufficient to deter them.

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