The Labour Party looks upon the public sector and information technology as crucial to enable Malta regain its competitiveness, said Labour leader Alfred Sant as he presented the party’s final versions of two more policy updates that have been approved by the national executive and the party’s parliamentary group.

Before their approval, each policy paper had been discussed in around 12 consultation meetings, each lasting up to an hour and a half, with the social partners and a number of institutions. Written submissions were also accepted.

As regards the public sector, Dr Sant said a Labour administration would expect this to become both dynamic and efficient, aiming to serve in an efficient way and with the least expenditure.

This will be monitored to ensure that good results are being achieved. A Labour administration would also set up an internal audit unit in the Office of the Prime Minister and carry out professional internal auditing on a regular basis in all government departments and parastatal organisations. A Labour administration would also enforce the accrual accounting system in all sectors of the public service so that one could have a clear view of the country’s revenue and expenditure on an ongoing basis.

Dr Sant also promised that whoever in the public service is being discriminated against will get a solution. In fact, the Labour leader pointed out, an amendment has been inserted in the policy document in which the party commits itself to propose the entrenchment of the Office of the Ombudsman in the Constitution and to formally give the Ombudsman the right to follow up on his decisions and to report on a regular basis on the issues.

As regards the IT sector, Dr Sant said a Labour administration would promote the growth of the software local industry while Maltese who have studied IT abroad will be encouraged to invest in Malta. Foreign students will also be encouraged to come to Malta to study IT like they come here today to study English.

A Labour government would also follow a policy of e-inclusion to make IT knowledge available to housewives, the elderly, disadvantaged children, single parents, the unemployed and people with special needs.