The next Labour government

Justyne Caruana Sunday, 28 May 2017, 09:21 Last update: about 8 years ago

Throughout my tenure at the helm of the Parliamentary Secretariat for the elderly and disability sectors, a huge chunk of Labour’s pledges concerning the social sector has been implemented and particularly the building of a fair society.

What might have been perceived as a buzzword has become a reality for thousands of vulnerable people and their families. All along, it was a learning experience for me personally and it helped me propose further initiatives which both Dr Muscat and the cabinet endorsed. My proposals were taken on board at different stages and implemented through the last three consecutive budgets. Other suggestions were kept on my to-do list and have, in fact, become an integral part of Labour’s current electoral manifesto for the social sector together with proposals for Gozo.

Solidarity at its best

Working closely with and for families and people with disabilities and older people has been and will always be in itself a very rich experience. Not only can I discern what experts and academics come up with regarding solutions and remedies, but I can also entwine human sentiments with political obligations which are the essence of what politics means to me.

The countless consultation sessions I have chaired injected me with further responsibility and commitment to bring to light personal and family situations that would have otherwise been sidelined. It is precisely this hands-on experience that inspired me to relay to others within the decision-making levels the specifics of what needs to be done.

It is, of course, a pleasure to note that my input has been taken up and now forms part of what the next Labour Government plans to implement for two important sectors within the social fabric of Malta and Gozo.

My commitment

All the measures I have had the privilege to promote and pilot through are now on record to prove that the first four years of Dr Muscat’s government have silently but effectively created an unprecedented revolution in both the elderly and disability sectors. Not only have we pushed for a cultural change nationwide, but we have gradually but steadily rationalised all the social schemes and structures to meet everything that families within both sectors expect in their everyday life.

My track record in these fields stands out to prove the way Labour has placed them at the centre of its strategic policies. Much has been accomplished but more needs to be done. Working with the elderly, with the fast-growing life expectancy and the ever-growing needs and rights for people with disabilities is in itself an ongoing process and no number of achievements is ever an end to itself. Labour’s manifesto speaks for itself through the several feasible promises put included for the next legislature.

People know well that we have kept our promises and, in many cases, outdone ourselves – particularly in the disability and elderly sectors. It is, however, not a case of resting on our laurels, and what we have achieved can only push us forward to work harder. Effective social impact and economic efficiency have been the wisest guiding forces throughout my time within the cabinet as the responsible politician for both sectors.

The joy of serving

Knowing that more than a thousand people with disabilities have now obtained employment to allow an independent life is one of the best results that any dedicated politician can ever achieve. Words will never tell the real feelings of these people, considering that, for many decades, they would not have even considered looking for a job, let alone have found the necessary support to take one on! Nor could we fully sense the real peace of mind parents and families are enjoying in seeing their relatives experience personal fulfilment and independence for the rest of their lives.

I have been there all along and consider myself privileged to have been deeply involved in their success. It is precisely the factual proof of having provided prosperity with a purpose for both Maltese and Gozitan families, which has been the guiding force of the first Labour Government led by Dr Joseph Muscat.

Being entrusted to serve for three consecutive legislatures has given me the joy of fulfilling the dream I always had of serving those I represent and anyone else who needed my help. Fourteen years in parliament, actively participating in various house committees and at international fora, has taught me the enriching responsibility of being a loyal representative of my Gozo constituency to enable people improve and lead a better quality of life.

My fellow Gozitans

Gozo should not be populated in a rush with a new generation. A new Labour government is proposing to safeguard families working in Malta and living in Gozo. We will incentivise businesses to relocate to Gozo with a three-year tax holiday and introduce flexible working conditions for Gozitan employees. Amongst other things, we will:

· continue making connectivity a priority; we will continue and complete the fast ferry project which is already at the tendering stage and work on the feasibility of a permanent link;

· propose more teleworking opportunities for Gozitans, giving businesses who invest in the technology and software required a 75 per cent credit and €10,000 per employee;

· invest with a purpose: we remain committed to creating quality and diverse jobs in Gozo so that businesses moving to Gozo will receive an income-tax credit of 30 per cent and a 100 per cent tax credit on relocation costs;

· incentivise start ups in Gozo. The private sector, as a major contributor of new jobs in Gozo, will be given a €70,000 tax credit (to be used up to four years) or 30 per cent of their investment back, as well as their employees’ wages for the first 2 years;

· complete the second fibre optic link to open doors to businesses that depend heavily on connectivity, such as the online gaming industry and financial services;

· provide a new hospital with 350 beds which will be the biggest hospital ever in Gozo. The Barts Medical School will receive its first intake of students. The initial aim is to attract around 300 students to Gozo, with a potential injection of around €4m into the island’s economy;

· ensure that Gozo significantly benefits from the €700 million roads project. We will complete the cruise liner buoy project in Xlendi and repair and upgrade the Marsalforn breakwater;

· build a new primary school in Victoria, continue the development of the Tal-Ħofra industrial zone in Xewkija and the research and ICT hub will be set up in the former MDP premises;

· bear in mind that tourism is the bread and butter of Gozo – but the tourist areas are also residential areas and their their upkeep is essential to the Gozitans’ quality of life;

· strengthen all the incentives given to Gozitan students who need to rent accommodation while studying in Malta and a €5,000 tax deduction related to the cost of transport and rent of accommodation to the parents of Gozitan students studying in Malta;

· Provide a new 500-bed home for the elderly in Gozo that will focus on long term care.

In a week’s time, Gozo and Malta will know what kind of government the nation has chosen. I fully trust that our people want to move ahead with social and economic prosperity for our own and future generations!