NGOs commissioner will be too powerful, meeting is told

A number of voluntary organisations strongly believe that the proposed Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations, who would adopt a supervisory role over the sector, has been vested with too many powers.

They argued that the commissioner, as proposed in the White Paper on voluntary organisations, should be appointed by Parliament rather than by the ministry and this in order for the office to inspire a universal feeling of trust.

The suggestions were presented during a consultation meeting held yesterday by the Social Solidarity Ministry and facilitated by lawyer Max Ganado, who was involved in the drawing up of the White Paper and who answered a few of the questions posed by those present.

A series of consultation meetings are being organised and comments and suggestions are being received on the White Paper which was launched in July.

The White Paper proposed that a Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations should be appointed and given adequate powers to tackle abuse.

It also lays down that the commissioner will have special, innovative functions and will implement the government's vision not in order to create a law but to provide guidance and advice.

The commissioner will also have the important job of determining which organisation is eligible for enrolment and establish its classification.

However, at yesterday's consultation meeting there was a chorus of disapproval at the fact that the White Paper proposes that the commissioner is appointed by the ministry.

Dr Ganado stirred the debate in an attempt to gauge the reasoning behind the voluntary organisations' suggestions.

They pointed out that past experience has shown that whenever a new government is elected the person in office is, unfortunately, not accepted for what s/he does and is often replaced.

They also highlighted the fact that unlike other commissioners, the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations was being given a wide array of powers.

"It would therefore induce some sense of comfort if Parliament appoints the commissioner. We feel that way things would run more effectively," one person said.

Several other issues were raised during the meeting among them the fact that a public entity could in no way be equated with a voluntary organisation and benefit from the same privileges.

On this point, Dr Ganado said the proposal was made to reflect a reality in Malta, adding that a few public agencies, though set up by the government, were of a non-profit nature and had a social purpose.

Several questions were raised on the registration fees and which organisations could register, among others.

Another consultation meeting will be held at the Gozo Ministry in Victoria on Friday at 4.30 p.m.

Any relevant views and comments outlined in the White Paper can be submitted in writing to: Maria Sciriha, Ministry for Family and Social Solidarity, Palazzo Ferreria, Republic Street, Valletta CMR 02 or e-mailed to voluntarysector@gov.mt by the end of next month.

A copy of the White Paper can be found at www.welfare.gov.mt