Consumers play a very important role in our economy as they contribute to the stimulation of economic growth, well being and feel-good factors. We are a government that cares, we are concentrating on safeguarding consumers’ needs and as such we have the rights of all consumers at heart.

Consumers are more educated about their rights and we are making sure that they have the necessary information to make meaningful choices when buying goods and services, while spurring on businesses to innovate and compete. The government is well aware of the important role it plays in order to assist consumers understand their rights and protect their interests, and has set up the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) to devise effective consumer policies. The MCCAA is mostly geared to examining issues of mutual interest while supporting the development of principles that promote efficient, transparent and fair markets for consumers.

Together with the MCCAA, I have just launched a number of important measures that are aimed at helping protect consumer rights. The safety of all the children who use playgrounds is of the utmost importance to us and with this in mind we have launched the second phase of playgrounds inspections in what is considered a crucial and important exercise. We want to the peace of mind of knowing that children will be playing and enjoying themselves in a protected environment. Last year, the MCCAA inspected no fewer than 159 playgrounds in Malta and Gozo that fall under the responsibility of local councils. Following these inspections, it made its recommendations to local councils so that the playgrounds can be secure and safe areas. The next step is that the MCCAA ensures that its proposals are put into effect. A number of playgrounds already offer excellent facilities, pleasant settings and other security features such as CCTV cameras.

Another caring proposition will be a number of planned meetings that the MCCAA will be holding with local councils, the intention of which will be to offer residents access to useful consumer-related information. During these meetings, practical consumer related information will be distributed while residents will also be able to lodge their concerns and suggestions. In another initiative, the Authority will be extending its public hours until 3pm, while also opening on Saturdays in September. In this way, it plans to become more accessible to consumers.

Last month we published the final report on the provision of school uniforms. Following a national consultation programme that was conducted by the Office of Competition, all interested parties submitted their recommendations. The proposals included the presence of a more competitive market with adjustment to the ways in which schools, parents and suppliers act. The report also pointed out that schools should be aware of their roles when making pronouncements on uniforms and be careful they do not hinder market competition in the process. The report concluded that there is still room for a reduction in the price of uniforms that should be spread over a number of years. Schools should also be cautious not to incur further costs on behalf of parents.

I am also pleased to report that Parliament has just approved the ‘class actions’ legislation. As a result, people or different organisations can now file a common action in court instead of presenting fragmented and numerous cases at the same time. This will enable consumers and small businesses to benefit from reduced costs and be able to better manage their time, while having their rights protected at the same time.

Last Wednesday we launched an ambitious consultation process on the National Strategy for Consumer Education. This process will enable consumers to voice their opinion on various structured questions related to consumers. The document was prepared by the MCCAA and the consultation process will end by September. We urge consumers to give their feedback on this project so that they can help us structure a good strategy.

We are aware that there is still a lot to be done and are determined to take initiatives to increase confidence in the internal market. This self-assurance will undoubtedly contribute to the improvement of business competitiveness, strengthen the consumers’ position in the marketplace and ensure that consumer concerns are taken into account. I am safe to say that it is only a PN government that can guarantee this.

Jason Azzopardi is Minister for Fair Competition, Small Business, and Consumers