An assertion frequently heard is that there is very little difference between what the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party believe. This comment seems to be directed mostly at the younger generations, who do not remember much of the past 30 or so years.
Those of us who have lived this past, however, know exactly what the difference is. Labour has a social conscience. Labour is a party that does not only talk about social and welfare development, but that has, over the years, initiated profound welfare structures that have benefited those most in need.
It is useless for one to talk about welfare, and then not structure one’s policies around concepts that strengthen the foundations of a better and meaningful life. This brings me to today’s topic: the family.
To Labour, the family is the foundation on which our society has to be built. We strongly believe that all the economic, social and cultural policies that are implemented should strengthen its structure. Families should also be given the space they need in order that they can adapt to economic and social circumstances, as they emerge.
Labour’s document Re-strengthening the Founda-tions of our Nation, after the extensive research of my colleague Marie Louise Coleiro Preca (the party’s spokesperson on social and welfare issues) and her team, is an indication of these beliefs. This document embraces the plan that will enhance existing social policies and initiate others, that will promote the family, while continuously scrutinising policies to maintain them, as relevant and effective as possible.
The plan revolves around a prevention, rather than on a cure, notion. It is aimed at avoiding problems, instead of having to resolve them once they have come about. It is also centred on children and proposes the strengthening of the National Children’s Council, also envisaging the setting up of a Children’s Department within the relevant ministry. It further suggests that the Commissioner for Children will act more effectively as an Ombudsman, while underlining the need to have a new legal structure that will ensure the protection of children’s rights, including the strengthening of the role of the children’s lawyer. The issue of poverty among children will also be given more concrete attention in order for it to be eliminated.
A Labour government will also allocate more resources to the National Commission for the Family, with the specific aim of improving its workings. While strongly believing in and promoting the family as it is traditionally known, the present, rather restricted, definition of the family will also be extended to cater for present family structures and realities, as they exist in our society. The problems and difficulties of single parent families will also be studied and analysed with the aim to implement initiatives so that these family units will not fall into the “poverty trap”. In this context, it is suggested that legislation on both social security and adoption be amended accordingly, and, where necessary, that fresh legislation be introduced.
A revision of the present welfare benefits’ system will also be undertaken in order that these are enhanced to fit today’s welfare needs. These measures will be implemented in such a way that, although families will still receive adequate welfare benefits, they will not be led into the poverty trap, leading to their social marginalisation. Labour will also strive to introduce new work practices that will strike a balance between the need to work and the family.
A commission to study low wages will also be set up in order to consider ways of improving such and thus lessening the possibility of families falling below the poverty line. Over a number of years, Labour will further seek to implement specific measures to enable the families of people with disabilities to live better lives and to integrate fully in society.
In all its work on social and welfare issues, a Labour government will seek to enhance the present structures in order to enable the better participation of non-governmental organisations, the church and all civil society.
This is another social and welfare milestone for Labour. That is how we in the Labour Party see this document/plan. The immense work undertaken to prepare the plan clearly indicates the dedication and readiness of our party to govern towards prosperity for all. Labour not only promises that will deliver what it has promised in its documents/ plans, but that it will deliver it wholeheartedly, especially in issues where the family and welfare are concerned – as our past so clearly testifies.
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Dr Michael Falzon is the MLP deputy leader for party affairs