Updated 1300
Professionals up in arms about ‘social wellbeing’ professions bill: A bill amending three acts related to social wellbeing professions has sparked concerns from professional organisations and the University of Malta’s Faculty for Social Wellbeing due to a lack of consultation and fears of weakened professional standards. The bill proposes the establishment of minister-appointed appeals committees for social work, psychology, and counselling professions. These committees would include an advocate, a professional from the field, and an unspecified third member, allowing them to overrule existing boards’ decisions. Critics argue the committees are too small and lack sufficient professional representation. Additionally, the amendments to the Psychology Profession Act widen warrant eligibility to include foreign degrees. Despite these concerns, the bill passed its second reading, with promised amendments to address raised issues.
Cab drivers say they work 16-hour days, raising road safety concerns: Cab drivers in Malta are working up to 16-hour days, raising safety concerns. Many drivers, mostly third-country nationals, work without breaks, following a 50-50 revenue-sharing model with fleet owners. Drivers often lack benefits like sick leave and vacation, and only get paid based on the customers they serve. Some drivers prefer regular employment for job security, while others find the arrangement financially rewarding. Fatigue among drivers, a key factor in serious road accidents, is a major concern. The transport ministry plans a reform to address these issues, focusing on safety, work conditions, and the oversupply of ride-hailing cars. Discussions are ongoing with stakeholders, aiming for a balanced solution.
Din l-Art Ħelwa voices support for Local Plans review: Din l-Art Ħelwa supports seven resident associations in calling for a review of Malta’s local plans. Criticising the Planning Authority for losing its vision, DLĦ claims the authority no longer ensures a balanced, sustainable environment, favoring speculators instead. The associations will hold a press conference in Żurrieq to address the negative impacts of outdated 2006 planning policies. DLĦ argues that the planning system needs a comprehensive overhaul, not just a review of local plans, emphasising the need for a new socio-economic model for Malta and Gozo with a focus on spatial and infrastructural planning.
Morning Briefing
Film producers lament lack of access to government funding
Taxpayers have spent nearly €8 million on two film festivals, while local producers have been unable to access any government funding, according to statements from two industry lobbies. In a joint statement, the Malta Producers’ Association (MPA) and Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) highlighted that the government has yet to fulfill its electoral pledge to increase the National Film Fund budget to €2 million. They pointed out that the current €1 million budget “has been either issued haphazardly or not at all over the past few years.”
A spokesperson for MEIA noted that the last time the fund was issued was in December 2022, with funding lasting until June of last year. Since then, Screen Malta (formerly the Malta Film Commission) has hosted two film festivals, at a significant cost to the taxpayer. (Times of Malta)
Birkirkara remains without mayor as independent councillors blocks options
Birkirkara, one of Malta’s largest localities, remains without a mayor due to the refusal of the council’s only independent councillor, Kaylocke Buhagiar, to support either the Nationalist Party (PN) or the Labour Party (PL). Buhagiar blocked nominations for both a PN and a PL mayor, resulting in a deadlock as the other councillors adhered to their party lines. Consequently, neither motion passed, leaving the town without a mayor. Six rounds of voting took place. Both the Labour and Nationalist Party proposals failed, each receiving 7 votes against and 6 in favour, as Buhagiar voted against both. In the absence of a mayor, the meeting was chaired by the local council’s longest-serving member, PN’s Marie Claire Zammit. (The Malta Independent)
Man behind firm smearing Chris Fearne brought to Malta by Muscat – Cassola
Independent candidate Arnold Cassola revealed that the man leading one of the firms involved in Steward’s campaign to smear Chris Fearne and others had been invited to Malta by Joseph Muscat’s government in 2015. The independent MEP candidate mentioned that Sir Lynton Crosby, one of the founders of CT Group, had been invited to speak at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) hosted by Malta nine years ago. “In 2015, Joseph Muscat’s government invited Sir Lynton Crosby, the hatchet man running CT, to speak at CHOGM’s business forum,” Cassola said. Crosby’s CT Group was one of two intelligence firms the company used to carry out that work, according to emails, encrypted messages, and financial records. The other was Audere International. (Newsbook)
