Labour unveils plans for public sector

Workers in the public sector who have been discriminated against will be entitled to compensation under plans drawn up by the Labour Party.

During a news conference yesterday, Opposition Leader Alfred Sant unveiled party plans for the public and information technology sectors.

The two policies, presented yesterday, following a series of consultation meetings with the social partners and a number of institutions, will form the basis for the Labour Party's electoral manifesto.

Dr Sant promised a reorganisation in the public sector's financial and administration systems to ensure the money is spent according to the government's priorities, while ensuring results are monitored.

Among other plans, a new Labour government will set up an internal audit unit, which will fall under the responsibility of the Office of the Prime Minister, and which would enable regular, professional internal auditing of government departments and parastatal companies.

The Labour Party also plans to introduce accrual accounting in the public service which would enable the state to have a clear picture of all its revenue and expenditure.

Dr Sant said his party was proposing not only that the Office of the Ombudsman be entrenched in the Constitution but will formally be given the responsibility to follow up on decisions.

The MLP believes the public sector could become dynamic and efficient, capable of being effective with the least cost possible to the public.

Turning to the IT sector, Dr Sant said a new Labour government would boost the local software industry, while foreign students would be encouraged to visit Malta to learn IT skills, similarly to English language students.

For the Labour Party, the public sector and IT were crucial to the country's competitiveness, Dr Sant said.

Labour MP Helena Dalli claimed that 'clientelism' and patronage were rife in the civil service, when the country needs an effective, efficient and transparent service.

MP Leo Brincat added that IT and innovation should be incorporated in the national education curriculum.