This is an incomplete version of the
MLP election manifesto of 2003.
The text appeared in several
installments in The
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Introduction
The time
has come for a change in the government of the country. A Labour
government will be a serious government that will offer a guaranteed future to
all Maltese citizens. The proposals in this document guarantee a better quality
of life to Maltese families. They are concrete proposals that address the
aspirations of Maltese citizens. This is an ambitious programme
that can only be implemented by a Labour government.
A Labour government respects and obeys the principles of
parliamentary democracy in
I. A better quality of life
New job
opportunities
A Labour government will create a social partnership between
the government and citizens, between citizens and public institutions, between
consumers and those who provide services and products, between workers and
their employers and with entrepreneurs to create new job opportunities.
It will
work to create the economic, social, and political conditions where foreign
investors can begin to look again at
It will
tackle unemployment, especially among youth and those aged over 40.
It will
increase the participation of women in employment without diminishing the
importance of women in the family.
The tax
system will be such as will not hurt those who cannot shoulder such a burden,
especially those with low or medium incomes while at the same time it will not
hinder the entrepreneurial initiatives of those who are able to create jobs.
The
Social Security Act will be given a modern format, which will be ore accessible
both for the beneficiaries and for the department’s employees themselves.
2. New life to the economy
A new Labour government will introduce a sense of care and
efficiency in the management of public finances by reducing public expenditure,
except in education, health and the environment, in which areas expenditure
will increase.
Waste
will be reduced: there will be full control of waste in the management and
administration of the public sector. Value for money will be demanded
everywhere and the many authorities, corporations, foundations and
consultancies will be rationalised.
The
government will have an intensive and comprehensive plan to lower public
expenditure.
A Labour government will call in independent auditors to
establish, in a short time, the real state of public finances.
Under
the foreseeable circumstances, a Labour government
aims to attain a nominal growth rate of five to six per cent of gross domestic
product as from 2004. The fiscal deficit will be cut to three per cent of GDP
by 2006.
The
government will review the tax rate for couples who are buying their first
home.
A Labour government will limit capital expenditure to six per
cent to support its main projects on education, the environment and roads as
well as to attract new investment to
A Labour government will take immediate action to regenerate
the stagnated economy by announcing new measures to encourage new commercial
activity.
The
level of social services will remain untouched, especially the health and the
elderly sectors.
3. VAT
The
document lists the reasons why the Labour Party has
agreed to retain VAT. This will be reviewed as follows:
There
will be no VAT on food, medicines and printed matter.
The
rates for various economic sectors, such as tourism and food in restaurants,
will be reviewed.
The
range of products and services that today are subject to this tax will be
reviewed so that the consumer will no longer be taxed on essential products or
services, education, culture and sports.
The
thresholds for small enterprises will be reviewed because many are causing
expense and burdens out of proportion to the actual businesses, which are also
subjected to fines and uselessly harsh measures.
The
refunds procedure will be reviewed to help tackle the problem of liquidity and
of economic stagnation.
The
procedures for the collection of taxes will be reviewed so there is no discrimination.
Non-profit
organisations, such as band clubs, philanthropic organisations and sports associations will be exempted from
VAT.
4. Direct taxes
In
today’s “disastrous” financial situation, the party understands it must do
everything possible not to continue burdening the people with more taxes.
A Labour government will not increase income tax or
consumption tax rates and aims that in the lifetime of the legislature it can
also reduce the tax burden on people. Over a five-year period, it will bring
the tax burden under control.
The
anomaly between the Tax Compliance Unit and the Inland Revenue Department will
be eliminated, so taxes are collected in the most open and transparent manner.
The department will be strengthened so its role will change from an
administrative one to one that investigates tax evasion.
5. Tourism
Every
year a Labour government will carry out a major
tourism project in order to improve infrastructure.
The
Maltese product and service must be improved to attract a better quality
tourist.
A Labour government will help operators to keep their prices
low and to have more effective promotion and marketing.
The
seasonality of tourism must be tackled so there is a better spread of tourists
all year round.
Long-term
direction will be provided regarding the number of beds and the standards in
the accommodation sector to help it become profitable.
Importance
will be given to agro-tourism and to Maltese crafts.
There
will be more supervision and enforcement to keep very high standards in this
vital sector. Tourists’ problems and complaints will be handled in a proactive
and preventive manner.
There
will be much better maintenance of historic sites, many of which are not
adequately protected.
Efforts
will be made to develop projects such as a golf course (with environmental
concerns being taken in consideration), a casino and a marina, together with
the private sector.
A Labour administration will clean up
It will
also encourage wise investment in the sector, spread more equally
geographically.
Care
will also be taken concerning the quality of seawater.
Gozo will have a separate tourist plan.
Local
and foreign tour operators will be involved in the drawing up, administration
and management of a serious national policy on tourism. Air
There
will also be serious planning in all sectors involving tourism
especially with regard to product development, competitiveness, and
marketing.
A
serious policy will be drawn up regarding the capacity of the
6. Industry and strategic markets
The
government will be a facilitator to create conditions that can attract Maltese
and foreign investors to
There
must be the necessary infrastructure, such as sufficient industrial space and a
stable provision of electricity.
There
will be heavy investment in education so Maltese children seeking jobs will be
more skilled, according to the best international levels, in technology,
information and communication.
More job
opportunities will be created for all Maltese.
Public
funds will be used in the best possible way. Public spending must be checked.
Thus, the government’s borrowing from local banks will be reduced and the
private investor will find appropriate credit, at an appropriate rate, so he is
encouraged to invest and create more jobs.
The
government must not burden the productive sectors of the economy with extra
expenditure because this detracts from their competitiveness. Certain sectors
must benefit from subsidies on the real prices of public services but all must
be made aware of the difference between the commercial price and what they are
in fact paying.
A Labour government will amend the Business Promotion Act to
ensure
Clear
procedures will be introduced to ensure that bureaucratic delays in accepting
proposals for local and foreign new investment are reduced.
A Labour government will disband Malta Enterprise because it
is clear this organisation aims at accommodating
in-people with an increase in public expenditure without addressing the main
priorities that can really attract foreign direct investment.
The
steps taken between 1996 and 1998 for the restructuring of the Malta
Development Corporation must be continued to make this organisation
a one-stop-shop. The MDC will also get a Code of Ethics with time-frames for
the evaluation and approval of projects.
There
will be adequate resources for the effective marketing of
A
sustainable balance will be created between the cost of the work of trained
workers in different skills, and competition, so that industrial peace is
preserved, investment is increased and there are more opportunities for serious
and stable economic development without detracting from the rights of workers.
A free
trade area will be agreed between
A Labour government will create a package of incentives which
are competitive, effective, sustainable and clear, and which will attract both
Maltese and foreign investment within the context of a partnership relationship
with the EU, which will be more flexible and suited to
Knowledge-based
activities will be given the necessary importance. A Labour
government will seriously consider the rapid changes in the technological
sphere.
Information
Communication Technology must be applied seriously to
A Labour government will promote a policy that ensures
industrial peace and the best use of the human resources of the country so that
the country achieves the best productivity, quality and flexibility.
Fiscal
incentives will be provided to the film industry while space will be created
for the attraction of international co-production of films. A fund will be set
up to promote small co-production of films.
The
Malta Freeport will be changed into an effective cell in an international
network of ports.
In full
consultation with the unions and owners, a plan will be drawn up for modernising and improving management efficiency of Maltese harbours.
7. Financial services
Financial
services already contribute seven per cent of GDP.
A Labour government will conform to international
regulations, but without foreign interference in this sector.
Through
the Labour Party’s European policy, the financial
services sector will be developed without the burden of taxes and uniform
regulations that the EU wants to impose on all member states.
If Malta
follows the Swiss model, our competitiveness in this sector will increase.
Malta will operate as a financial centre and for
private banking of integrity, which will have the necessary flexibility to
grasp all new opportunities that can be created from, among others, the EU
countries themselves.
A Labour government will work to attract to Malta not only
fund managing companies that want to enter the Maltese market but also to
attract those who want to use Malta to penetrate other markets.
A Labour government will work to derive all possible
advantages from existing agreements, such as double taxation agreements with
different countries.
The way
in which the council of the Malta Stock Exchange is set up will be reviewed.
A Labour government will see that the regulator of the Stock
Exchange affirms the principle of free trading on the market. He must also be
given the necessary tools so that this sector becomes more dynamic and brings
about better profit to the country.
The
people who serve at senior level with regulatory institutions, such as the
Central Bank, must not have conflicts of interest.
Since
the MFSA has assumed a regulatory role,
A specialised unit must be established to attract foreign
financial service providers and investment fund managers.
As the
EU moves towards fiscal harmonisation,
The necessary
material and fiscal infrastructure must be created to widen the role of private
banking in
New life
will be given to the Stock Exchange and the 15 per cent Capital Gains Tax on
collective investment schemes will be removed as this has practically killed
off the sector.
A Labour government will investigate the sale of Mid-Med Bank
to HSBC, which has come to have a dominant position in the banking sector. This
situation will be remedied in respect of the laws and the market forces in
[SECTIONS 8 THROUGH 14 ARE MISSING]
15. A healthy environment
A Labour government will:
Improve
the surrounding environment.
Be fully
committed to create a new social coalition to include all who want to
contribute to a serious environmental policy for
Work to
control air, water, seawater and land pollution and to clean the environment
from all pollutants.
Reject
unsustainable development: every development will be measured according to
environmental impact and not profit.
Ensure
that agricultural, especially arable, land is protected from urban or
industrial development.
Preserve
characteristic rubble walls and teach young workers the skill of building them.
Launch
an educational campaign for better use of energy in homes.
Reduce
light pollution.
Protect
coasts and bays from pollution.
Ensure
that seawater and drinking water quality is monitored regularly and the results
published.
Reduce
atmospheric pollution levels by controlling air-polluting development and
preserving traffic-free green spaces in urban areas.
Take
concrete steps to reduce pollution by vehicles, including public transport, and
encourage the use of unleaded petrol, gas or electric vehicles.
Be
committed to introduce international standards on noise levels permitted in
residential areas and in the workplace.
Introduce
domestic waste separation of organic waste, plastic, glass and paper from other
waste and implement a regional waste management policy.
Close
down the Maghtab and Qortin
landfills in 21 months.
Introduce
new rules specifying minimum environmental protection levels to prevent
pollution extending beyond the sites where waste is collected.
Introduce
better protection for marine life and strict regulations for fish farming.
Nurture
existing parks and create new natural parks and reserves.
Rehabilitate
valleys to serve their natural function regarding rain water and ensure that
they can be enjoyed by all.
Increase
the planting of indigenous trees for soil preservation.
Re-evaluate
present plans for waste in Gozo so that it is
processed and managed there.
Continue
opposition to an airstrip in Gozo.
Ensure
that work sites are safe and no danger to workers’ health.
Ensure
implementation of international conventions that are signed.
Ensure
the laws on hunting and trapping existing before June 2002 are enforced and
remain unchanged
Ensure a
balance between hunting and trapping and those who love birds.
Emphasise importance of historic heritage and ensure resources are
not wasted in carrying out necessary repairs and draw up a preventive strategy
to protect the environment, including the historic environment.
A Labour government will make necessary changes to existing
systems so that those which protect the environment work rationally.
There
will be a minister for the environment responsible for four sections: the
environment, planning, natural resources and certain aspects of civil
protection concerned with protection of the environment. There will be a
department for each section.
The
Department for the Protection of the Environment will be strengthened. A
geological survey unit will be established.
The
ministry will prepare contingency and action plans with the Civil Protection
Director to deal with a disaster or to ward off pollution from our shores.
Local councils will be involved in enforcing the law.
A Labour government will reform the Planning Authority to
eliminate duplicated work and ensure accountability and transparency.
16. Children’s rights
Children’s
rights should be considered an integral part of fundamental human rights.
Children have a right to happiness.
A
Children’s Charter will be drawn up, listing children’s rights.
The
party reaffirms its belief in the right to life and is thus against abortion.
It
believes that there should be no discrimination of children with regard to
race, colour, sex, language, religion, political
opinion or social status.
The
Family Court will be set up to protect the interests of children in separation
or annulment procedures or cases of domestic violence. All laws discriminating
against children born out of wedlock will be abolished.
Malta
must ensure that it is not just a signatory but also efficiently implements
conventions on children’s rights.
A
Council for the Protection of Children’s Rights will be established to consider
laws and regulations.
A
Children’s Ombudsman must be set up, linked to the Council, to create a
semi-judicial structure to protect children’s rights.
The
educational system must provide a pleasant experience for children, allowing
them to enjoy their childhood, be creative, gain self-confidence and learn to
express themselves.
17. Education
We need
to reform education to help our children be active citizens in today’s open
society and advanced economy. Schools must be improved so that more children
flourish educationally. Those who are already flourishing need to do so in a
different way due to the changing world.
Through
partnership with the European Union, Malta will increase participation in EU
educational programmes by an agreement similar to the
one that exists between the EU and Switzerland. Educational schemes will also
be arranged with countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia.
A Labour government will reduce Matsec
charges. It will remove VAT on the educational sector, as well as the cultural
and sports sectors.
Schools
must receive the necessary equipment. Books and educational material must be
upgraded. Every school must be managed with a democratically chosen development
plan.
Professional
training will be increased so that Malta has enough educational psychologists
and teachers trained to work with dyslexic children and those with other
learning difficulties.
The
educational system must be developed in such a way that it provides equal
opportunities both for boys and girls.
The
Education Division must be renovated according to today’s needs with its main
duty that of supporting the work done in schools and evaluating the quality of
education.
There
must be full coordination between the teaching, health and social services
sectors to make the best use of the resources in our country.
We
address the problems of drink, smoking and drugs among adolescents and
initiatives must be taken so that children live better, and do not suffer from
obesity due to lack of good food and no exercise.
Kindergarten
A Labour government will ensure that kindergarten education
continues to expand and improve so that the 20 per cent of children who drop
out at age seven due to serious literacy problems can be helped.
Primary
education
Reading
will be strongly encouraged to improve levels of Maltese and English. More
efforts must be made to develop children with regard to mathematics, science
and technology.
Art and
sports activities must become an integral part of primary education.
The
problem of heavy school bags, which is causing so much damage to children’s
health, must be tackled.
Inclusive
education
Schools
must really be open to all children and different methods of teaching must be
used to reach them all. There must be a new culture, through which heads and
teachers are responsible for ensuring that all children are reached.
Children
with special needs must be given every opportunity through a well-prepared plan
with adequate resources and specially trained teachers.
Special
schools must be developed into resource centres and
support centres for disabled children in other
schools.
Different
young people
Secondary
schools must change so that we can save those who end their compulsory
education not having the necessary skills. The educational experience must be
made to be more relevant to these young people who at present find the
environment outside school to be more relevant and attractive.
Contact
between schools and places of work must be intensified.
Vocational
subjects must be introduced in secondary schools emphasising
learning in sectors like IT, catering, basic engineering, tourist studies,
carpentry, construction and farming.
Educational
experiences must be created for young people with the necessary skills who are
now in danger of being excluded from society and attracted by crime, drugs and
a hopeless life style.
An
examination board at SEC level, to be responsible for certification of
vocational subjects must be established.
The
structures of the SEC board must be strengthened and it must work more closely
with state schools, Church and private schools.
Students
must be entitled to see their examination paper when requesting a revision of
paper.
Education
and the creation of wealth
A Labour government must tackle the problem of skills deficit
of thousands of jobless young people who are looking for work, and the problem
of employers who conversely face skills shortages.
Apprenticeship
schemes must be upgraded to the 21st Century.
A Labour government is committed to ensuring more students
coming from vocational education go on to university.
Students
with special needs who receive a vocational education must be helped prepare
themselves for life at work and in society.
Post-secondary
education
The
quality of education for over 16-year-olds must be improved. New opportunities
must be created for them in those areas which can offer them a job according to
the economic and social development of the country.
MCAST
will be strengthened through a five-year plan. Coordination will be enforced
with the university, ETC, ITS, the Swatar centre and Institute for Health Care to avoid duplication.
Better
use must be made of technology teachers so that they do not remain under used.
MCAST teachers must be given better training.
The
Junior College must be strengthened and given the resources it
needs to function and improve.
The
MATSEC advanced and intermediate systems must be improved.
The
participation of students in all post-secondary institutions must be improved
through the legal introduction of the Students’ Council.
The
university Ombudsman must also handle post-secondary levels and must be
available every day at the university campus and at MCAST.
New
initiatives will be launched so that through the Internet and IT young people
do not have to attend courses in the traditional way.
Young
students from Gozo must not fall behind in
post-secondary education. MCAST and Sixth Form in Gozo
must work closely with those in Malta.
Care
must be taken to discover why young people who begin a study course or an
apprenticeship drop out so that these young people are not lost to the country.
Work must be done to see that more young people succeed in their studies or
apprenticeship (only half of students sit for MATSEC.
The
university’s entry requirement for students to obtain six passes in the same
year to begin a course must be removed.
There
should be a new contractual agreement between government and university so the
latter can plan its activities more long-term. The university will give a
public account of its activities and finances. The academic auditing of courses
and research must be strengthened.
New
opportunities must be created through new courses for those who are already
working and who cannot attend regular day courses. New initiatives are taken in
conjunction with international organisations so that
university can begin to organise courses through IT
where students can follow the courses from home, without having to physically
attend the lectures.
The
administration structures of the university must be changed into a
participative and democratic system which sustains and strengthens the academic
standards of teaching and research.
The
university must take new initiatives for the professional formation and ongoing
education of the professions in Malta.
A Lm1.5 million fund will be set up to finance study programmes
of Maltese students abroad. The participation of Maltese students and academics
in EU programmes and in educational programmes of the US, Canada, Australia, Unesco, Commonwealth, Council of
Europe and OECD will be strengthened.
Lifelong
education
The Labour government will invest in serious educational and
training programmes both for those who are already
working and for those who are unemployed. Educational and cultural initiatives
for the elderly must be increased.
19. Youth
Young
people must share in national life. All social inequalities that affect young
people must be removed: young people must shoulder their responsibilities and
express them in a new society.
A Labour government will give great importance and a new
sense of leadership to the educational, cultural and sports sectors. It will
increase its investment in these areas. It will also remove the burden of VAT
from the educational, cultural and sports sectors.
Education
Public
education and vocational training must be of the highest quality.
Young
people must find the support of adequate educational and economic structures
when they come to take independent decisions about matters which affect them.
All levels of education must be open to all young people, whatever
their social or financial standing.
Students
must participate in the drawing up of the programmes
of their courses.
Technical
teaching in trade areas and in modern technologies, especially IT, must be
widened. There must be new opportunities at MCAST. Those students who want to
learn skills must find open doors in the educational sector. Those who enter
training schemes and who do not find a sponsor must not be deprived of
vocational training, as is happening now.
Jobs
The
state must employ all social and economic measures to foster better
opportunities of work for young people.
The
rights and conditions of work of young people, especially those who work in
factories, must be preserved and improved all the time.
A Labour government ensures that young workers be given equal
opportunities. It will be ensured that young workers are not used as cheap labour and do not suffer discrimination at work.
The
schemes which provide young people with the necessary financial backing to open
a new enterprise must be strengthened.
A Labour government will work, above everything else, to
create job opportunities in Malta for young workers. European citizens will not
have automatic access to the job market in Malta. Maltese young people will
thus be able to find work in Malta without useless and unfair competition.
Voluntary
organisations
There
will be more consultation with associations of young people and their
representatives in government boards.
A Labour government appreciates the useful work of voluntary
associations of young people in all areas of culture and sport by supporting
their initiatives, while respecting their autonomy.
The
participation by Maltese young people in decision-taking and in the upgrading
of Maltese social values must be widened through participation and the
involvement of young people in government bodies and entities which deal with
the social and economic management of the country.
Environment
Young
people will be encouraged, through specially-drawn up programmes
to understand environmental problems on a local, regional and global level.
Courses of study will be offered in Malta and abroad on environmental
protection.
Housing
The
access of young people to housing and property in
European
citizens will not have the automatic right to purchase property in
Entertainment
and sport
A Labour government will ensure that young people are
protected from all kinds of exploitation. Transparent criteria must be drawn up
as regards the prices that young people can be charged at places of
entertainment, so that young people do not end up being exploited by
exaggerated prices.
A Labour government will ensure that places frequented by
young people have adequate measures to protect their health and safety.
Sports
facilities will be increased and there will be ongoing maintenance of the
existing sports facilities. Help will be given to sports nurseries in different
disciplines. The participation of women in sports will be encouraged, as will
be opportunities in sports for citizens with special needs.
Physical
education will be put on a higher level: the curriculum will be revised in this
respect.
Home Affairs and security
A Labour government will declare total war against the drug
industry. Drug Courts will be set up in
The law
regarding investigations will be amended so police can identify people
suspected of drug trafficking who have already been found guilty of drug cases.
The Financial Intelligence Unit will be strengthened, so that drug barons who
are involved in usury and prostitution can be traced.
Laws
will be drawn up to eradicate the Omerta especially
in investigations connected with drug trafficking because many who refuse to
divulge what they know do so because of fear and lack of protection.
The Drug
Squad must be strengthened with a bigger complement of police officials,
operational resources and modern technology.
A legal
framework must be drawn up so that the police will be able to investigate the
provenance of the property of people of suspect character or companies involved
with such people.
The
Income Tax law must be amended so that the investigative authority, especially
as regards the provenance of capital, is strengthened. The police (and security
services) must be involved in these investigations.
As
regards the use of marijuana, a study must see how the existing law can provide
an opportunity to the young people involved to get back to normal life. Legal
aid must be provided to those who cannot pay when they require HIV treatment.
The
prison rules must be reviewed so that it becomes more difficult to plan or
traffic drugs or for drug barons in prison.
The Drug
Misuse Act of the
A
special law must be drawn up to ensure the independence of the Malta National
Laboratory. Apparatus which helps the police in their forensic investigations
must be bought.
A legal
system must be found whereby the figures of drug abusers in
The law
regarding the notarial profession, which dates back
to 1925, must be changed with regards to the duties of notaries and the reports
they must make in case they suspect crime to be the origin of money they
handle, or money coming from usury or the inheritance of money coming from
drugs.
One must
seriously consider the protection of informers who collaborate and provide
precise and truthful information in drug trafficking cases.
The
surveillance and enforcement in ports and around the Maltese coast by police
and the armed forces must be intensified since it is clear that drugs are still
coming in illegally.
As
regards the legal profession, lawyers and legal procurators, as well as
accountants, ways must be found to facilitate reports in cases where it is
clear that money deriving from drug trafficking is being laundered.
Non-reporting may in certain cases be complicity.
The
police
There
must be a stricter war against crime, especially against theft since this has
increased considerably these past years. The Police Corps must monitor trends
in crime so that there be suitable prevention and this wave is reduced and
rolled back.
Payments
to police, their conditions of work, fairness in the management and in training
systems motivate the police in their work.
A Labour government will improve the equipment and the means
at the disposal of the police in their fight against crime, both in stations
and on the road.
The
prison
There
must be more professionalism and transparency in the management of the prison
so that this continues to stay further away from political intrusion.
The
prison must be managed in a strong but humane way, with discipline being used
and the human rights of prisoners being observed.
Prison
must have medical, social and psychological support systems for the good of the
prisoners and their families. More strength will be given to the Board of
Visitors.
Voluntary
groups must be helped so that they can contribute to the best of their
abilities and their specific nature.
21. Housing
Means
and measures must be found to alleviate burdens faced by families, especially
young couples with low or medium earnings, who have to pay large sums to
purchase their first home.
Housing
subsidy schemes must be upgraded to reflect today’s social realities so people
who find themselves in difficulties are not burdened with new problems.
A
concrete effort must be made so empty property in good shape be
purchased to reduce the housing problem. A Labour
government, in partnership with the private sector, will launch schemes which
provide an opportunity to thousands of people to have a suitable home.
A Labour government will ensure that government housing is
truly given to those whose revenue would not permit them to purchase or rent
from the private property market.
The
legal framework must be drawn up to ensure that this inheritance is used
according to the intentions of those who bequeathed it.
There is
a need for homes for those women who have had to leave their homes because of
violence. They must also be able to take their children with them to these
homes as children of a certain age are not being allowed to be with their
mothers. This is leading to the further breaking up of the family relations of
these children.
22.
Women The Labour
government’s policy on women will be in agreement with international
conventions. Where needed, Maltese laws will be amended so that they agree with
these conventions.
Work
will be taken in hand and an effective strategy put in place to ensure that
women’s active participation in society is increased.
The Labour government will invest in day-care centres for children, especially for those whose mothers
have to go to work.
The
educational system shall be used to enshrine equality among the sexes as a
prime and natural value in society. A breast screening programme
will be gradually put in place as well as other cancer-related screening.
23. The elderly
The
experience the elderly have acquired should not be wasted: they must contribute
to the well-being of the community.
The
elderly must be given the opportunity to participate fully in educational,
sports, cultural and social activities together with people of different age
groups.
In the
health sector, initiatives must be taken to better the quality of life of
elderly people.
The
elderly purchase many medicines. A Labour government
will not impose VAT on medicines as the Nationalist government wants to do.
Preventive
medicine services specially for the elderly must be launched.
The
services for the elderly who live in their own homes must be strengthened, with
security and comfort so that the elderly remain living in their community as
long as it is physically possible for them.
The
number of day centres for the elderly will be
increased in conjunction with councils.
The St
Vincent de Paule residence, the Zammit
Clapp hospital and the homes for the elderly will continue to get more services
according to today’s needs.
The
concept of carer families will be introduced so that
families who live around the elderly share in taking care for those elderly who
live around and who have no one who cares for them or who visits them.
The Kartanzjan, which was set up with no juridical backing,
will be given a juridical and legal standing.
The
particular shopping basket for the elderly, which is the basis for the retail
price index for the elderly, must be drawn up better and will remain as the
cornerstone of the Labour government’s commitment to
a better quality of life.
The
pension scheme for the ex-British servicemen, which in 1996-98 was only
partially implemented, must be completed.
State
pensions will continue to be guaranteed. Private pension schemes will be
encouraged, through the necessary fiscal incentives, as long as these are
strictly voluntary, subject to strong regulation and seriously managed.
The
elderly will be represented on the Malta Council for Economic and Social
Development.
24. Health
Departmental
structure
The
Health Department will be renovated and modernised.
It will be split up into two main structures: regulatory and operational.
Every
hospital must be managed in an autonomous way.
All
employees of the health structure, except those in a strategic and high
position, will have an indefinite contract.
Primary
care
An
educational campaign will be launched on specific illnesses. This kind of
preventive education must not be restricted to particular days, such as Aids Day
for education about HIV.
There
will be more education and research on prevention on non-communicable
illnesses, such as diabetes and health diseases. This can be done through a
partnership with the World Health Organisation.
Initiatives such as the Healthy Cities Project and the Health in Prisons
Project, which were launched by the Labour government
and blocked by the Nationalist government, will be restarted.
Health centres will begin to operate 24 hours a day. There will be
more cooperation from the private sector to ensure that there is less pressure
on the out-patient department.
Secondary
care
Effective
steps must be taken to address the problems faced by patients in secondary
care. This must be done in cooperation with the trade unions, patients and
health sector employees.
Patients
must not have to wait for long for an appointment in the outpatients
department. Another problem which must be tackled is the long queues for
operations and the long wait in the emergency department.
There
must be more coordination between government hospitals and doctors in the
community regarding patients who have been in hospital, through a discharge
letter that must be given to patients before they leave hospital. In future,
this coordination will take place through IT.
Nurses
who have qualified before the setting up of the Institute for Health Care must
not be discriminated against in promotions. The government must invest in
ambulances and in training of paramedics.
Priority
will be given to cleanliness and hygiene in hospitals. The Nursing Officer for
every ward must be really the person who is responsible for the management of
the ward.
The
preparation of food for patients must be done on a more professional base.
Every patient must be informed, through a leaflet, on the illness, what cure
will be given and what precautions must be taken after being cured.
The law
relating to mental health must be updated and
Tal-Qroqq hospital
The new Tal-Qroqq hospital will offer all acute services in the
health service, as was the agreement reached with all the stakeholders when the
decision to change from the wrong concept of a hospital split in two was
changed to that of one general hospital, which gives a service of excellence, with
the latest technology, apart from being a university teaching hospital.
The Tal-Qroqq hospital has been reduced and it is estimated to
be costing more than that which was planned under the 1996-98 Labour government.
Discussions
must immediately be held with all stakeholders regarding the infrastructure of
the new hospital, as changed by the Eddie Fenech Adami administration after the 1998 election.
All
stakeholders will be involved right from the beginning as to how the new
hospital will be run.
A
serious evaluation must take place how the people’s finances have been used.
The charges of abuse of power in the construction and equipment purchasing of
the hospital will be investigated.
Public
health
Conscious
of the pollution in our surrounding area, the Public Health Department must
increase the places where tests on seas water are carried out all through the
year. Through coordination with the environment departments, the research that
is being carried out on certain illnesses is investigated from environmental
points of view.
The
standards and hygiene in the preparation of food for consumers must be
strengthened.
Medicines
and pharmacies
There
will be no VAT on medicines or on medical equipment.
The
medicines which are authorised to enter
As a
result, the prices of medicine will not increase with the tariffs imposed by
the Nationalist government to register medicines.
The
majority of medicines in the local market will be able to be imported with a variety
of different prices for the consumer.
The
government will ensure high standards in the local manufacturing of medicines.
The
government medical stores will be managed on a professional basis and the
technology which is necessary and essential to uncover an audit trail will be
introduced so that the medicines and medical apparatus which are purchased by
the government really do arrive at their proper destination, instead of being
stolen or wasted.
Regulations
will be drawn up once again regarding new licences
for pharmacies based on a demographic system according to an agreement drawn up
in September 1998 between the government, the Association of General Retailers
and Traders and the Chamber of Pharmacists.
25. People with disabilities
There is
a need in this sector for an integrated long-term plan which will include what
should be done and also what concrete, financial, and human commitments will
support this activity. This plan must be drawn up and implemented together with
the voluntary sector and also with those who are active in this sector.
When
children with disabilities reach a certain age, the educational system closes
its door on them and instead of moving forward, they regress. The Wardija school will be treated as
important and it will not be neglected as it has been under this PN
administration.
Efforts
must be made to increase the number of teachers for people with disabilities.
A family
with a person with disabilities incurs many expenses. So a specific shopping
basket must be drawn up for this sector to ensure that they do not fall below
the poverty line.
The
Adult Training Centres must be upgraded and the
support schemes to enable people with disabilities find work must be
strengthened.
The
opening of community houses for people with disabilities will be encouraged.
New sports facilities must be accessible by people with disabilities.
A Labour government will amend the electoral law so that
people with sight impairment will be able to vote without help or through the
help of their trusted friend.
26. Animal rights
A Labour government will change today’s law on animals and
instead present the bill it proposed as a private members’ bill, which the
present government did not discuss at any time.
This
draft bill regulates many things in detail while the PN law speaks more about
the powers of the minister to draw up rules than about the animals themselves.
Animal
protection and the promotion of enforcement will derive from a series of
regulations which will ensure the best living conditions.
Among
other things, the bill will include the setting up of a National Council for
the Protection of Animals.
One must
also examine the possibility of a 24-hour care facility for animals including
the possibility of a hospital for animals. Progress in this sector will only be
possible through the cooperation of voluntary organisations
which will not only be acknowledged but also helped.
27. Partnership
The
foreign policy of a Labour government must have three
main characteristics: Europe (the great links we have with Europe in politics,
trade and culture), the Mediterranean (our geographic position
and common interests with our Mediterranean neighbours
regarding the environment, security, trade and economic development) and our
relations with other large countries like the
The
partnership proposal with the EU consists of:
An
industrial free trade area between
Special arrangements for agriculture so that, while the
interests of consumers are protected, we can protect the interests of Maltese
farmers through protection where necessary.
Agreements of cooperation and joint action with the EU in
areas such as social affairs, education, environment and health.
An agreement with the EU on security in the heart of the
Political cooperation between the
This
partnership strategy does not close any doors on:
The
partnership strategy does not close any doors on the advantages enjoyed by the
export industry in EU markets and beyond.
It will
protect farmers and the remaining countryside in
It will
protect the families of fishermen and ensure that Maltese fishermen retain
control of our seas.
It will
protect the interests of Maltese businessmen, especially retailers and
self-employed.
It will
create job opportunities and protect the interests of Maltese workers, who will
not need to compete for jobs against citizens from other EU countries.
It will
ensure that property prices remain within the reach of Maltese families because
foreigners will be able to purchase any property they like in
It will
ensure food prices are at a level which our families can afford so families are
protected from EU tax burdens.
We will
decide things for ourselves and the government of
It will
protect the Maltese companies and individuals who offer professional services
in
It will
protect the interests of dockyard workers and parastatal
companies like Maltacom and the
It will
protect our students’ interests who, while still benefiting from study programmes like Socrates and Leonardo, will not have to
compete for university places or jobs in their own country against citizens
from EU member states.
We will
enjoy all the advantages of full cooperation at all levels without losing the
advantages of neutrality. The Maltese want peace and do not want to be used in
the wars of others inside the EU’s military alliance.
We can
take all necessary social measures to help those who are affected by commercial
prices, such as water and electricity rates.
We can
adopt the beneficial laws and standards of the EU for social policy and jobs,
industrial policy and consumer protection, health and safety protection at work
and environmental care.
It would
give a new lease of life to financial services and investment.
We will
not have to pay more taxes to the EU than we receive, as we would with
membership.
We will
not have to tax books, medicines and food as would happen with EU membership.
A Labour government will call a referendum during the
legislature, where people can choose between a partnership agreement with the
EU and membership. Government will accept the result of this referendum and
implement the decision. A sincere effort will be made to reach agreement with
the Opposition so that this referendum will be agreed to by the political
parties and its result will be considered as final by everybody.
28. Infrastructural
development and transport
There
will be infrastructural projects, through partnership
with the private sector, regarding drainage treatment, drinking water and
alternative energy sources.
The
drainage system will be strengthened to ensure all residential areas are
connected to the main system. Priority will be given to Bahrija.
Work
will continue on a national master plan for rain water, abandoned by the
Nationalist administration, to proposed and implement solutions regarding all
aspects of this precious resource.
The
Coordinating Unit will be reinstated so that all road work is done after the
completion of underground infrastructural work. It
will also coordinate with all involved, such as local councils and the police.
A Labour government is committed to surfacing all residential
roads during its five year legislature and upgrading roads and junctions still
prone to traffic congestion.
The
National Geographical Information System will be established to record all
information on infrastructural services in
Projects
Work
will begin on the Connections project, the entrance to
An
ambitious project to regenerate ports,
Development projects will be implemented for
An
adequate, central place will be identified for the building of carnival floats
and a carnival village will be created.
The Gozo yacht marina project will be reintroduced.
Embellishment
projects in tourist and recreation areas will continue. New projects will be
started in Paceville and
Committees
will be established in important tourist areas to ensure regular maintenance.
Work
will commence on national parks at Burmarrad (Kennedy
Grove), Ta’ Qali, Delimara
and Cottonera.
Restoration
projects in our historical towns and cities will continue. The three existing
rehabilitation committees will be amalgamated, to be known as the Walled Cities
Rehabilitation Committee, which will be given responsibility for work at the Gozo Cittadella and Victoria, and
also for
Restoration
projects for historical areas will create heritage trails such as the Victoria
Lines.
Transport
A
national transport strategy will be formulated for an efficient transport
system that will improve the environment and quality of life.
While
the central terminus will remain in
In
collaboration with local councils, traffic management systems will be
introduced in all town and village cores to give residents and pedestrians priority over vehicles.
New
parking systems will be introduced.
New
modes of transport will be encouraged and adequate protection given to those
using environment-friendly transport such as bicycles.
The
possibility of a light railway system will be studied.
Work on
a roads master plan will be given absolute priority and implemented according
to specific time frames and a work programme already
laid down.
A Labour government will solve parking problems in commercial
centres and popular tourist attractions by the park
and ride system.
29. A strong national identity
Historical
and traditional sites will be developed through partnership with the private
sector and with the involvement of local councils.
The
historical heritage will not be allowed to deteriorate. Incentives will be
created so that tourism percolates to village levels and local jobs are
created.
Museums
and historical sites will be better managed through partnership between
government and the private sector for the enjoyment of all.
The
educational value of
Culture
Maltese
artists, writers and musicians will be encouraged.
Maltese
cultural animators and artists will be helped to use IT developments
effectively.
Management
structures of the National Library, the National Archives and public libraries
will be strengthened.
Archiving
will be encouraged and incentives provided for access to private archives.
Values
A Labour government will not succumb to any pressure to legalise abortion and will not allow taxpayers’ money to be
used to finance abortions abroad.
Those
with family problems must not be sidelined but must be addressed in partnership
with Maltese citizens, especially with regard to separated people and single
parents. Labour expects all social forces to share in
an open debate, characterised by mutual tolerance, to
ensure a better future for Maltese families. Practical and efficient measures
will be identified to support families with great social problems.
The law
must not deny protection to unmarried couples especially those with children.
The relationship of long-standing couples will be regulated by law to ensure
no-one suffers if the relationship ends.
The Labour Party defends minorities. A Labour
government will not permit discrimination or marginalisation
due to sexual orientation, race, or for any other reason. Immigration laws will
be amended so that foreigners in a stable relationship with a Maltese citizen
are not excluded.
Maltese
migrants
Descendants
of Maltese migrants wishing to settle in
Citizenship
laws will be further liberalised to help even more
people of Maltese origin.
A Labour government recognises the
importance of Maltese language teaching and a new project will be launched for
the electronic teaching of the Maltese language for use by Maltese migrants.
A Labour government will finance twinning with Maltese
communities abroad.
The fate
of Maltese children sent to
The
Commission for Maltese Abroad will be strengthened to encourage contacts
between communities of Maltese migrants around the world and
30. Clean politics
A Labour government will work with all those truly interested
in the country’s good. It will be a government in partnership with Maltese
families to solve the country’s problems and address those worrying the
Maltese. The Nationalist administration is characterised
by confusion and cliques that have devoured government contracts and have
become rich on Maltese taxes. Every decision of the present government has favoured friends of friends, never those who, in their
homes, struggle for a better future. The Labour
government of 1996-98 gave clear proof of a serious administration with no
taint of corruption.
Maltese
families deserve a clean, efficient administration and a government that does
not waste taxes. They deserve a government that does not lie or do its utmost
to trick people.
A Labour government will be an honest administration telling
things the way they are. It will be based on clean and moral politics so that
money paid by citizens is not wasted. The citizens’ money will improve
everyone’s quality of life and not be wasted on the enjoyment of the few.
Maltese
politics needs a new breath to change the main structures according to the
desires of Maltese families, and provide the country with moral, clean, and
honest politics.
In State
matters:
A Labour government will remove the time limitation in
corruption cases.
The
magistracy will be strengthened by investigative powers, including total access
to government records and necessary resources, independent of the police, so
that it can investigate corruption charges or abuse of power.
The role
of the Ombudsman, who must report to parliament more frequently, will be strengthened
and his recommendations will be truly respected.
A Labour government will ensure that all government contracts
include a clause giving government the right to block any payment if any
apparently well-founded allegations of corruption are made.
The
Auditor General’s office will be strengthened to evaluate the quality of
government’s social services and whether it is reaching those really in need.
The
culture of social auditing must be introduced so that the public services of
health, education and social security are evaluated to ensure they are
effectively reaching those for whom they were created.
In party
matters:
The
financing of political parties must be made public.
The use
of public funds given to political parties must be verified by the Auditor
General.
A
political party in government must never receive commission for government
work.
31. Reform of the institutions
Council
of state
A
commission will be set up to consider creating a Council of State, constituted
of distinguished people in public life. This will examine and give advice on
issues regarding observance of the Constitution and on how the Constitution
should be interpreted.
A
Council of State could also be asked for advice on issues affecting Maltese
life and democracy.
Referenda
The law
on referenda must be changed to establish how referenda will be held, their
validity and how the result will be measured.
Propository referenda will be introduced so that if a number of
citizens wish for the introduction of an ordinary law they can, if they have
sufficient signatures supporting their petition, request the holding of a
referendum for people to decide on their proposal.
Administrative
tribunals
Administrative
tribunals will be established, with an easy system and without too much
expense, where the citizen can find quick and effective remedy against an
administration that commits mistakes, or is capricious or commits an injustice
to the citizen. These tribunals exist in many modern countries and monitor the
administration.
An
administrative tribunal could hold someone personally responsible for damage
suffered by a citizen.
32. Justice
Access
to justice is fundamental. Today, such access for people with a fixed, or low
to medium income, is hindered due to the exaggerated increase in court costs
and because the legal aid system is incompetent.
The
tariff increases must be addressed and tariffs reduced.
Legal
aid, provided to people without means, must be reformed so they receive the
best service. Coordination between government, the judiciary and the legal
profession must be strengthened so that the administration of justice can be
improved in a way that ensures justice without delay.
The
Family Court will be established so that there is a specialised
structure to better suit the needs of those whose marriage has failed. Judicial
social assistants, specialised in this sector, will
provide their contribution.
Work
will continue on changes necessary in procedural laws and the master system in
the civil law area where this has been ignored.
Work
will continue on establishing a regional tribunal to lessen the burden on the
ordinary court.
The
Tribunal for the Investigation of Injustices will be strengthened by the
recruiting more judicial assistants to facilitate the work of the presiding
Judge.
Procedures
pending in front of this tribunal will be decided more efficiently and without
delays. Decisions in favour of the complainant will
be implemented in the first week of a Labour
government unless there are constitutional problems. These will include cases
decided by the Ombudsman.
The
Work
will continue on the complete amalgamation of the Public Registry and the Lands
Registry.
The
Attorney General’s office will be strengthened and his function be better
defined through a separate law, apart from the Constitution.
The
Civil Code will be amended to remove discrimination between the legitimate or
illegitimate status of a person, including issue regarding inheritance.
33. The Civil Service
A law
regarding public service will be prepared and a Whistle Blower Act will be
enacted.
Government
must make effective use of human resources at operational as well as other
levels so that government provides recognition to its employees and an honest
account to citizens who pay taxes.
Reform
of the civil service, and the creation of a substantial number of bodies
forming part of the public sector, but with some degree of autonomy, should
have led to better use of government resources. In fact, it has led to waste,
with a lack of transparency and accountability. A radical reform will be
carried out in this sector.
The
public service will be better managed, with clear parameters and direct
responsibilities. Each department’s functions must be clear. The bureaucratic
machine will not continue to grow uncontrolled.
A Labour government will introduce this new mentality also in
parastatal bodies, government agencies and local
councils.
The
necessary cultural change will not happen overnight. It will be carried out in
a planned manner in consultation with representatives of workers and the
administration.
Relations
between government and the public sector will be built on a solid basis and
employees will benefit from greater autonomy and benefits, and work better and
with utmost loyalty to the country’s administration.
A Labour government will create productive work and tackle
capital projects in the same way that the Labour
government used public service employees in projects such as the ones in Bugibba, Marsascala, Birzebbuga and Gnejna.
A
Charter of duties and rights of Public Service employees will be drawn up. More
administrative functions will be decentralised to
better serve the public. A system will be introduced enabling managers of
private and public enterprises to share their experiences and abilities. Public
employees will be given new training opportunities.
Communications
between the Public Service and citizens will be strengthened by establishing
communications directorates in every ministry and/or department.
34. Local councils
Local
councils must be councils of citizens, from the citizens, for the citizens.
Local
councils are assuming more roles formerly carried by central government. A Labour government acknowledges the importance of decentralising power but also acknowledges this must be
accompanied by adequate resources at human and financial level. A Labour government will provide more resources to local
councils.
The
gradual transfer of certain executive functions to councils will be
strengthened.
Councillors will receive legal protection regarding words expressed
during council meetings, so that councillors can do
their duty well.
The
Coordination Board within the Ministry for Infrastructure will be
re-established to provide full coordination in infrastructural
work on all levels. This will lead to work being done well and not having to be
done twice. This will be operational for other departments dealing regularly
with central government so there is better coordination.
A Labour government will review election rules of the
Association of Local Councils to remove its democratic deficit.
Local
taxes
A Labour government will amend the law to prevent local
councils introducing any local tax, whatever this is called. The Labour Party is against additional taxation.
Enforcement
at local level
Local
wardens are not being used well in situations more resembling tax collecting,
where they are pressured that unless they issue enough fines, they will lose
their job. A Labour government will revise the whole
procedure regarding local wardens because they cannot be used to collect money
for the councils. Local enforcement must aim to educate people that observing
rules is important in society.
Regional
and local development
A Labour government will facilitate sustainable development
by continuing the regional plans project, with different areas of
These
plans must not be prepared by a small group enclosed in a room. The
Socio-Economic Plan for the South of Malta, in which local councils, NGOs and
all those who had any interest in the area under discussion were involved, must
be used.