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.

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

“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.”

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

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.