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| AFIC Statement Concerning Recent Coverage in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age |
Dr Jneid has served AFIC with significant personal sacrifice, including
extensive unpaid work and extended periods away from his family during
the early period of organisational stabilisation. His service and
reforms have been witnessed by both the Executive Committee and Federal
Council.
|
Media Statement
AFIC Statement Concerning Recent Coverage in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age
18/06/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) rejects the misleading and one-sided portrayal of AFIC and its President, Dr Rateb Jneid, published in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
The article repeats a series of stale, recycled and unsubstantiated allegations, many of which have already been raised, examined and dealt with by AFIC and relevant regulatory bodies. It relies heavily on claims from Mr Mohammed Berjaoui, a former Executive Committee member who was removed from AFIC following serious misconduct and who is no longer associated with the organisation.
AFIC is not in a “civil war”. That description is false and inflammatory. The reality is that Mr Berjaoui, having been removed from his position, has continued to pursue grievances against AFIC, Dr Jneid and members of the Executive Committee. His campaign should be understood in that context.
Mr Berjaoui served on AFIC’s Executive Committee for nearly eight years. During that period, he did not raise the allegations now being circulated through the media. These claims emerged only after he was charged with assault, removed from AFIC, and lost the opportunity to pursue future leadership within the organisation. The allegation of assault is currently before the courts, but AFIC notes that this is not the first time Mr Berjaoui has faced similar charges.
The Federal Council, not Dr Jneid acting alone, made the final determination concerning Mr Berjaoui. AFIC’s Federal Council is made up of the Executive Committee together with the presidents of the nine State and Territory Councils. It is the body responsible for major strategic decisions, governance oversight and budget approval. The suggestion that AFIC has been “hijacked” by one individual is therefore baseless and ignores AFIC’s actual governance structure.
Following a formal show-cause process, the Federal Council determined that Mr Berjaoui was not a fit and proper person to hold leadership or governance office within the AFIC network. As stated, that determination followed allegations of grave misconduct, including physical assault and indecent language towards committee members. Mr Berjaoui did not substantively respond to those allegations.
The article’s treatment of AFIC’s regulatory position is also misleading. AFIC has dealt with the ACNC matters referred to in the article. There are no outstanding matters with the ACNC and all issues have been resolved, subject to AFIC continuing to comply with its policies and procedures. AFIC remains compliant with its regulatory obligations.
Claims that AFIC is controlled by Dr Jneid or by organisations associated with him are also rejected. AFIC’s member societies are independent organisations and must meet AFIC’s membership requirements. AFIC maintains conflict of interest policies, and any potential conflicts have been declared and managed through those processes. Where a potential conflict arises, the relevant person is not involved in the decision-making process.
AFIC will not comment on confidential employment or settlement matters involving former staff. It is improper and misleading to present such matters publicly without the full legal and factual context.
AFIC also rejects the suggestion that its public advocacy represents an improper politicisation of the organisation. AFIC is the national peak body representing Muslim communities across Australia. It is central to AFIC’s role to speak on matters affecting Australian Muslims, including Palestine, Islamophobia, religious freedom, anti-discrimination, civil liberties and legislation that affects the community. In the context of the past two and a half years, silence on these matters would have been a failure of its responsibility to the Muslim community.
The article’s claim that AFIC has “defended Hizb ut-Tahrir” is a gross misrepresentation. AFIC’s statements on proposed hate group legislation have been directed to rule of law principles, due process, democratic safeguards and the danger of broad executive discretion. They were not an endorsement of Hizb ut-Tahrir or any other organisation.
Claims about AFIC-managed schools are outdated, irrelevant and demonstrate that the allegations are detached from AFIC’s current operations. AFIC has not managed or operated schools since early 2016. Any suggestion that AFIC is responsible for the current operation of schools is wrong.
AFIC also notes that ongoing governance matters involving UMNSW and certain ACT member societies are being dealt with through proper internal processes. AFIC is entitled, and in some cases required, to seek information from member bodies to confirm that they continue to meet membership and governance requirements. AFIC will not litigate those internal governance matters through the media.
Dr Rateb Jneid assumed the presidency during a period of significant institutional difficulty, following adverse regulatory findings before his tenure. Under his leadership, AFIC has undergone substantial reform and stabilisation. AFIC inherited approximately $12.5 million in debt and multiple ongoing litigations. Today, AFIC is debt free, financially stable, maintains a strong liquidity position, and has substantially increased its land and community assets across Australia.
Dr Jneid will not be standing for presidential re-election at the upcoming AFIC election, currently scheduled for the weekend of 25-26 July 2026. Any delays to the election have arisen from practical and administrative matters, including audit transition processes and logistical issues connected with venue and accommodation availability.
Dr Jneid has lived in Australia for more than 36 years and has undertaken continuous study in Australia since 1995. All of Dr Jneid’s qualifications have been conferred upon him by educational institutions in Australia, except for his qualifications in Islamic Studies.
Dr Jneid has served AFIC with significant personal sacrifice, including extensive unpaid work and extended periods away from his family during the early period of organisational stabilisation. His service and reforms have been witnessed by both the Executive Committee and Federal Council.
AFIC remains focused on its responsibilities: strengthening governance, protecting community assets, representing Australian Muslims, and ensuring that the organisation continues to serve the community with integrity.
AFIC is considering its legal options in relation to the publication of these allegations by the media outlet and the conduct of Mr Berjaoui and will not allow personal grievances, recycled allegations or media campaigns to distract it from its work.
AFIC Executive Committee |
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