Lobby to address ‘unfortunate oversight’
THE president of the Australian Jewish Communal Lobby (AJCL) this week acknowledged that there appeared to have been some administrative failures in documenting the consent of the founding directors of the AJCL to be appointed to their posts when the organisation was established, but made it clear that those failings were entirely unknown to him and that he had been advised that all relevant protocols had been followed.
The AJN revealed two weeks ago that signatures required from at least three of the five directors had not been obtained when the AJCL was registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. However, The AJN has since learnt that AJCL president Jaron Chester was not involved in any improper conduct when the company was founded and said he was determined moving forwards to ensure that it was placed on a proper footing.
“I had complete faith in my peers when I delegated this particular matter, I entrusted that the correct protocols had been followed,” Chester told The AJN. “Let’s be clear, there is no plausible financial, personal or commercial gain from obtaining people’s personal information, and appointing them as directors of our organisation. The thought of any law being breached is preposterous.”
He added that while he was given to believe that certain individuals had consented to become directors, upon requesting the return of the company register, Chester now acknowledges that the necessary signatures may not have been obtained.
“I was distraught when I heard that the word ‘fraud‘ was being used in connection with the establishment of the lobby and myself personally,” said Chester. “As far as I was led to believe, everything was above board. Why would any director intentionally seek to destabilise the organisation? It is clearly an unfortunate oversight.”
He added, “ While there may have been some bureaucratic issues along the way, as we move forward we have engaged professionals to ensure that all legal requirements are met.”
The AJN understands that Chester has been personally vilified following the publication of the article two weeks ago. The AJN would like to clarify that there was no allegation of fraud or any other improper conduct concerning Chester personally.
AJN STAFF
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