Quick Read
- A new docuseries, “Australia’s Greatest Conman?”, premiered on SBS On Demand on February 24, 2026.
- The series re-examines John Friedrich’s elaborate $900 million fraud as former executive director of the National Safety Council of Australia (Victorian Division).
- Journalist Marc Fennell leads the investigation, featuring interviews with Kerry O’Brien, Hugh Riminton, Richard Fidler, and Friedrich’s colleagues.
- Friedrich won an Order of Australia and secured government contracts while orchestrating one of Australia’s most audacious scams in the 1980s.
- The fraud’s value is estimated at $900 million in today’s currency.
SYDNEY (Azat TV) – A new two-part docuseries, “Australia’s Greatest Conman?”, has premiered on SBS On Demand, bringing renewed attention to the extraordinary and audacious fraud orchestrated by John Friedrich, the former executive director of the National Safety Council of Australia (Victorian Division). The series, which debuted on February 24, 2026, sees Walkley Award-winning journalist and presenter Marc Fennell delve into the intricate layers of deception that allowed Friedrich to defraud institutions of hundreds of millions of dollars, a sum now estimated at $900 million in today’s value.
Friedrich’s story is one of a public figure who meticulously crafted a facade of legitimacy and heroism. In the 1980s, he rose to prominence leading an elite sea and land rescue squad based in Victoria, earning an Order of Australia, securing top-secret government contracts, and obtaining substantial loans from various financial institutions. Unbeknownst to many, Friedrich was not who he claimed to be, and his eventual undoing revealed one of the most elaborate and costly scams in Australian history.
Revisiting Friedrich’s Elaborate Deception
The docuseries meticulously re-examines Friedrich’s rise and fall, exploring how he managed to deceive a nation for so long. His operational methods involved inflating assets, fabricating contracts, and presenting a compelling image of a highly capable and trustworthy leader. The scale of the fraud was unprecedented, impacting government agencies, banks, and numerous individuals who believed in the National Safety Council’s mission and Friedrich’s leadership.
Marc Fennell’s investigation aims to uncover the full truth behind the man who captivated and ultimately betrayed trust on such a grand scale. The series promises to shed new light on the mechanisms of the scam and the societal factors that allowed it to flourish, providing crucial context to a story that continues to intrigue and shock decades later.
Insights from Key Figures on the John Friedrich Case
“Australia’s Greatest Conman?” features exclusive interviews with prominent figures who were either close to the events or have extensively covered them. Notable interviewees include esteemed journalists Kerry O’Brien, Hugh Riminton, and Richard Fidler. Additionally, the series gathers perspectives from Friedrich’s closest colleagues, who worked alongside him without suspecting the deception, and his fiercest rivals, who may have harbored suspicions but lacked the full picture. These interviews are expected to provide critical insights into Friedrich’s personality, his operational tactics, and the broader impact of his actions on Australia’s corporate and public sectors.
The docuseries is positioned as a gripping true-crime thriller, designed to keep audiences engaged as Fennell navigates the complex narrative. It offers a fresh perspective on a historical event, leveraging contemporary investigative techniques and access to key witnesses to piece together a comprehensive account of Friedrich’s intricate world of lies. The re-examination seeks to understand not just the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ behind such a profound act of deception, and its enduring legacy.
The Lasting Impact of Australia’s Greatest Conman
The re-surfacing of John Friedrich’s story through this new docuseries underscores the lasting impact of his actions on public trust and corporate governance in Australia. The estimated $900 million loss, adjusted for inflation, highlights the sheer audacity and financial devastation caused by his scheme. Beyond the monetary losses, the episode exposed vulnerabilities in oversight and regulatory frameworks, prompting significant reforms in how government contracts and financial dealings were scrutinized. The documentary serves as a timely reminder of the importance of vigilance against sophisticated fraud, even when perpetrated by individuals who appear to embody public service.
The renewed focus on John Friedrich’s saga through Marc Fennell’s docuseries provides a critical opportunity to analyze the enduring lessons from one of Australia’s most infamous financial crimes, offering a deeper understanding of the psychological and systemic factors that enabled such a colossal deception.