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Fireworks at Senate halal certification inquiry

There is new pressure on the federal government to regulate halal products as a Senate inquiry hears officials demanded bribes for certification.

The controversial inquiry reached a flashpoint today.

South Australian Senator Cory Bernardi said there were questions about what happened to the money paid for certification.

South Australian Senator Corey Bernardi has spearheaded the inquiry. Photo: 7 News
South Australian Senator Corey Bernardi has spearheaded the inquiry. Photo: 7 News

“Anti-Muslim groups got involved in the thing and saw it as a platform to attack the Muslim community,” Abdul Ayam from AusHalal told Senator Bernardi.

“Aren’t you close to those groups?”


The Senator responded: “What you’re telling me is the Muslim community has decided to boycott this inquiry because … they don’t like some of the people we’re seeking to take evidence from, people who have a differing point of view from them.”

The inquiry aims to get to the bottom of halal certification and who benefits financially.

Senator Bernardi referred to a court affidavit from Ikebal Patel, the former president of Australia’s Federation of Islamic Councils.

He swore Indonesian Muslim Authorities “offered to secure halal certifying rights by paying a bribe.”

An affidavit was tabled alleging bribes had been paid in return for halal certification. Photo: 7 News
An affidavit was tabled alleging bribes had been paid in return for halal certification. Photo: 7 News

Senator Bernardi asked the new manager of the Islamic Federation to respond.

“There are things said and things done, it’s maybe true, maybe not true – if it’s done under oath who knows,” Wasim Raza said.

Despite the fireworks one point was never in dispute; that the halal certification system needs to be regulated. If that happened, following the money would become much easier.

The inquiry is due to report later this month.