Cory Bernardi and Sharia Finance
Cory Bernardi, a former Australian Senator known for his conservative views, has been a vocal critic of Sharia-compliant finance. His concerns primarily revolve around the potential for Sharia finance to subtly introduce Sharia law into the Australian legal and financial systems, and the perceived lack of transparency surrounding its operations.
Bernardi’s arguments often highlight the inherent differences between conventional finance and Sharia finance. Sharia finance, guided by Islamic principles, prohibits interest (riba), encourages profit-sharing, and requires investments to be in ethical and permissible industries (excluding sectors like alcohol, gambling, and pork production). Bernardi has expressed concerns that these distinctions create a parallel financial system that could potentially operate outside the scope of traditional Australian regulations and oversight.
A core element of Bernardi’s criticism centers on the role of Sharia boards in overseeing Sharia-compliant financial products. These boards, composed of Islamic scholars, ensure that financial instruments adhere to Islamic law. Bernardi has questioned the authority and accountability of these boards within the Australian context, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of religious law on financial decisions.
He has also argued that the growth of Sharia finance could lead to unintended consequences, such as favoring certain religious groups or creating unequal access to financial services. Some of his concerns have focused on whether Sharia-compliant home loans, for example, could disadvantage non-Muslims or create a separate class of borrowers with different rights and obligations.
Furthermore, Bernardi has emphasized the potential for Sharia finance to be used to fund activities that are contrary to Australian values or security interests. He has suggested that the lack of transparency in some Sharia-compliant financial structures could make it difficult to track the flow of funds and prevent illicit activities.
It is important to note that Bernardi’s views on Sharia finance have been met with criticism from some quarters, who argue that his concerns are based on misinformation and prejudice. Proponents of Sharia finance maintain that it is a legitimate and ethical alternative to conventional finance that can benefit both Muslims and non-Muslims. They argue that it operates within existing legal frameworks and is subject to the same regulatory oversight as other financial institutions.
Regardless of differing viewpoints, Cory Bernardi’s outspoken criticism has significantly contributed to the public debate surrounding Sharia finance in Australia, prompting discussions about its implications for the nation’s financial system, legal framework, and social values.