Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri has expressed disappointment that the judiciary were not consulted or informed about the report of the Judicial Reform Commission.

“I’m not very happy with the way things were done. I read about the proposals in the newspapers,” the Chief Justice Camilleri complained yesterday.

In a 112-page preliminary report submitted to the Government last week, the commission lists 135 proposals including setting up a body to discipline members of the judiciary for misdemeanours, misbehaviour and illegal practices.

The commission is headed by former European Human Rights Court judge Giovanni Bonello.

The Chief Justice’s unexpected comments came during the swearing in of a new judge and two magistrates by President George Abela.

The only mention of the Chief Justice was in the list of demotions

“The media were given a presentation about the report. Didn’t we (the judiciary) merit a presentation too explaining what was being proposed,” the Chief Justice asked in the presence of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Justice Parliamentary Owen Bonnici.

He said there were a number of positive proposals in the report, adding that “there is one consolation, that, at least, things will only get better”.

However, he lashed out at the lack of “knowledge” and “appreciation” in the report about his role in relation to the judiciary and as a mediator between the judiciary and the Administration. The only mention of the Chief Justice was in the list of demotions, “from Chief Justice to judge”, he said.

The Chief Justice also expressed surprise at the way the Commission for Administration of Justice “disappeared from the report” adding that by supposedly making it “stronger” it was actually being made “weaker”.

The report was being examined by members of the judiciary for their feedback. However, he warned, certain things were not “negotiable”.

Members of the judiciary were prepared to discuss pensions, allowances and leave but their “impartiality and independence” must be protected. These would not be sacrificed in the name of “so-called improved efficiency and discipline,” he insisted.

The judiciary would strive to improve the way the court operated and for more discipline, he added.

Dr Muscat said he took note of Chief Justice Camilleri’s remarks, pointing out that not even the Government had been given a presentation of the report, which had been drawn up by an independent group of people. “This was a conscious decision,” he said.

The report was open for public consultation and the Government would not be commenting for the time being, especially since a second report was due next month and certain constitutional amendments required a two-thirds majority in Parliament, he added.

Dr Abela said the remarks made by the Chief Justice showed that justice was very high on the national agenda. This was very positive because hundreds of people wanted and expected an efficient system.

Many people were “disillusioned” by the delays in the judicial system not by its “seriousness”. The President said it was a “concern that had to be addressed”.

The report gave a snapshot of how the commission viewed the judicial system and highlighted two main problems: delays in court and the appointment and disciplining of members of the judiciary.

Dr Abela said even though a public consultation exercise was in progress, “whatever is done has to take into consideration the judiciary’s peace of mind”.

New judge and magistrates

A judge and two magistrates were sworn in yesterday.

Magistrate Antonio Mizzi was promoted to judge and lawyers Aaron Bugeja, who was the head of the criminal law unit in the Attorney General’s Office, and Charmaine Galea, who specialised in family and civil law, were made magistrates.

Dr Bugeja said it was a “memorable day” because, ever since childhood, he had always wanted to be part of the judiciary. “Today is a goal but also a starting point,” he said.

He said he worked hard throughout his life, privately and at the Attorney General’s Office. “I will give my 110 per cent to repay the trust that has been shown in me today,” he promised.

Dr Galea said she would work hard to honour the role and task she was given.

Having worked in the office of the Chief Justice and as a judicial assistant in the First Hall of the Civil Court, she said her years of experience had taught her to have “great respect for the judiciary”, pointing out that her father had worked for 30 years as a deputy court registrar.

Mr Justice Mizzi said he would continue doing his duty and giving his utmost in his new role, just as he had done before.

Among those present for the ceremony were Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri, Attorney General Peter Grech and Justice Parliamentary Secretary Owen Bonnici.