A high-profile lobbyist has characterized a conservative faction of the Liberal Party as "toxic," telling a corruption watchdog that the group ultimately caused him massive personal and professional grief.

Jeremy Greenwood made the remarks during his first day of testimony before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The inquiry is currently probing explosive allegations that prohibited political donations were funnelled through third parties to back the NSW Reformers, a conservative Christian faction, in an effort to advance the business interests of fugitive property developer Jean Nassif.

Allegations of Hidden Cash Flows

At the center of the inquiry is Mr. Greenwood’s former company, Beckington. Investigators allege the firm was utilized to disguise banned political donations as legitimate payments for lobbying and government relations services. The inquiry previously heard evidence suggesting that funds from Mr. Nassif’s property development empire, Toplace, were routed through entities linked to Mr. Greenwood before being distributed to members of the Reformers.

Appearing before the commission on Monday, Mr. Greenwood sought to distance himself from the group, claiming he eventually realized the faction was a liability.

"This might surprise you, but I actually told them all to get out of the Reformers at some point," Mr. Greenwood testified. When questioned about whether he wanted the movement to thrive, he became combative, replying, "I privately told all of them to not keep going… it became so toxic, so no, I disagree with that."

Social Ties and Factional Distances

Throughout his testimony, Mr. Greenwood repeatedly downplayed his connection to the Reformers, insisting his primary focus during that period was policy rather than factional warfare. He noted that in 2018, he was working alongside Nationals Senator Matt Canavan and viewed himself as "all about the Nationals."

While his close friends Robert Assaf and Christian Ellis were actively co-founding the Reformers and recruiting conservative members, Mr. Greenwood claimed his involvement was purely casual.

"It was always at a social level," he said, describing his interactions with the group's leadership as happening mostly "at a pub" or via being "dragged into a group chat." He admitted to attending some Reformers events out of interest in conservative social policies, including a speech by prominent former broadcaster Alan Jones.

Tensions Flare with Counsel Assisting

Counsel Assisting the commission, Peggy Dwyer SC, challenged Mr. Greenwood’s characterization of his involvement, suggesting he was actively working to distance himself from a group he had previously supported.

"You are at pains to try to distance yourself from the Reformers, but in fact, it's abundantly clear that you were supporting their work in 2019," Dr. Dwyer said.

Mr. Greenwood rejected the assertion, pointing out that numerous other witnesses had also denied official membership. "I’ve told you that from time to time in social settings, I would give advice and yes, I supported their issues," he stated.

The inquiry also touched upon the whereabouts of Reformers co-founder Christian Ellis, who is currently living in the United Kingdom. Dr. Dwyer noted that Mr. Ellis had gone to "significant lengths" to avoid being served with summonses, citing family commitments and time zone differences. Mr. Greenwood confirmed he remains in contact with Mr. Ellis and recently visited him overseas, claiming that despite his absence, Mr. Ellis had expressed a desire to give evidence to the commission.

The inquiry continues.