Independent barrister says K-A is in the clear
A statement released by the NSW Kashrut Authority claims that barrister Ian Neil SC had examined the K-A’s response to the Kashrut Commission of Inquiry and had found that it contained no failure of governance.
The K-A states in its release:
K-A president Baron Revelman
“Any suggestion that the Kashrut Authority breached Corporate Governance has been shown to be wrong by the independent findings of Ian Neil SC this week.
In a five-page formal legal advice provided by Ian Neil SC he states that in respect to KA’s release of its response to a report published by the Kashrut Commission of Inquiry (KCI) “there was no material breach of Corporate Governance”.
Rabbi Gutnick said “the attempt to discredit the KA by suggesting that the release of the response to the KCI report somehow contravened Corporate Governance has been proven wrong.“
The attack on me, members of the Board and the organisation has been shown to be completely unjustified”, he said.
KA is seeking legal advice as to what steps it might take to vindicate itself to the full extent of the law.
Over the last week the KA has been strongly contesting the validity of the original KCI Report.
According to the President of the Kashrut Authority the report by the KCI into the KA operations did not review important internal documents or interview key members and management of KA.
“I can say categorically there is no wrongdoing or improper process at the KA and the organisation takes very seriously the need to continue to enhance its transparency,” Baron Revelman, the President of the KA, said.
Late last week Revelman reacted strongly to public requests for Rabbi Franklin to step down from the KA Board.
“It was disappointing that, whilst Rabbi Franklin was out of the country, there were calls for him to stand down.”
“Any suggestion that Rabbi Franklin should reconsider his position on the board of the KA is completely inappropriate,” he said.
Baron Revelman and other community members strongly supported Rabbi Franklin to the media that, “Rabbi Franklin should continue to provide his valuable service as a Board Member”.
“That support has now been shown to be well-founded and Rabbi Franklin’s decision not to step down has been vindicated” Revelman said today.
“The role of the KA is to license companies and ensure their foods comply strictly with Jewish Law.
“The KA has existed since 1990, has faithfully served the community and continues to do so. KA certifies thousands of products, serves hundreds of manufacturers who provide high quality Kosher products to tens of thousands of consumers in Australia and around the world,” Baron Revelman explained.
“The KA is proud of its 25 years of achievements and profound service to the Jewish Community,” he said.
“The KA and its team is totally dedicated to delivering the highest standards, accountability and innovation when it comes to ensuring the widest possible range of Kosher food to our community and consumers here and internationally.
“We are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation employing more than 65 people, offering guidance and assistance to manufacturers and suppliers across Australia, NZ and into Asia to ensure world’s
best practice Kosher certification.
“Under the Rabbinic leadership of Rabbi Moshe Gutnick let me assure you that we will not stray from our determined commitment to continue this good work into the future,” he said
“We encourage people to seek out products bearing our KA logo, the proven and trusted mark that we all hold in high and esteemed regard,” Revelman said.
Harry, a leading barrister like Ian Neil SC, who I assume is not a member of Jewish Community, was needed to carry out such an assessment in a probing manner; senior silk attract top fees and it is to be assumed that the KA paid those fees, which under the circumstance is quite understandable.
I sense that the KA board will move forward implementing any changes, in its management processes necessary to improve the delivery of Kosher services and licensing together with the expansion of Kosher supervised foods from Australia manufacturers.
The public tabling of the report would be helpful.
The Board of Deputies is at its best when it advocates for its constituent members, especially to government and other community representative organizations.
I still don’t understand the issue!!!
Is it the cost? Is it the wages? KA has an auditor, they do not receive money from any other communal organisation. They are non profit.! And does it really make sense to any rational laymen/woman that the Rabbi ( who ever they might be) be accountable to those board members that don’t necessarily keep kosher or Shabbos, for that matter they don’t have to be Jewish. It would be like me being on the board of ‘the Rabbitos when I have no interest in football. There are so many areas in Jewish lives we haven’t touched for example, a kosher respite for disabled young adults or dementia patients. Any hard earned money being spent in KCI or KA is just an outrage. Cause at the end of the day……. Kosher pricing ain’t reducing. Just like property or organic foods. Top dollar top city top products top service.
Harry.
The KCI has been discredited by the fact that they didn’t even interview any key members and management of the KA nor review important internal documents before making their assessment. Similar to your insinuation of Mr Niell SC’s opinion being based on an inadequate amount of information.
Prejudice is not constructive.
And whatever the KA’s legal costs were, we know where the funds didn’t come from – communal donations. The KCI however – why doesnt it bother you how much *communmal* funds were wasted on that inadequate report?
may I also add, that the brief and or letter of instructions sent to Mr Neil SC also be made public, so the community might understand precisely what material was provided to him and what he was asked to comment on
it would also be interesting to be informed of how much this advice cost the KA and where those funds came from
I would be helpful to the KA cause,if the report by Ian Neil SC is made public, through this site, the KA website and the Jewish News.
I am sure that any rational suggestion for improved services and best business practice coming from any credible quarter will be take seriously by the KA moving forward.