The statement was signed by justice spokesperson Jason Azzopardi and constitutional reforms spokesperson Chris Said.
The Chief Justice will be appointed by a two-thirds majority under a new system being proposed by government and which has the backing of the Opposition.
Details on the proposed changes to the appointment of the Chief Justice, members of the judiciary and judicial discipline were highlighted in a letter sent by Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis to the Venice Commission. The commission had made a number of recommendations for the strengthening of the rule of law in Malta.
Appointing a Chief Justice by a two-thirds majority would result in the support by the main political parties and "would enable a high level of authority," the Minister said. "On this point, there is already agreement between the government and Opposition, always subject to approval by the Commission."
With regard to judicial appointments, the government is proposing that, when a vacancy arises, the Judicial Appointments Committee will propose the three most suitable candidates for appointment directly to the President of Malta. The committee will present a detailed report on the suitability of the candidates, but the final choice will rest with the President.
The Venice Commission had made recommendations on judicial discipline, namely that "the removal of a judge or magistrate from office shall not be imposed by a political body" and that, "there should be an appeal to a court against disciplinary decisions directly imposed by the Commission for the Administration of Justice."
To implement these recommendations, the Attorney General will be removed from the CAJ and will be replaced by the State Advocate. Moreover, judicial discipline, short of the removal of a member of the judiciary, will be the prerogative of the CAJ ant its decisions will be subject to appeal before the Magistrate's Court.
The Venice Commission had also commented that the Prime Minister holds too much power and that the appointment of members of independent commissions should be shifted to Cabinet members.
Zammit Lewis said legal amendments are being proposed in order to ensure that the appointment of high-ranking officials, including: the members of the Employment Commission; the Governor, Deputy Governor and directors at the Central Bank of Malta; the Chairman of the Malta Financial Services Authority; the members of the Board of the Arbitration Centre are affected by the Cabinet of Ministers and not by the Prime Minister.
An amendment is also being proposed to provide for the appointment of Data Protection Commissioner by the Cabinet, after consulting with the Leader of the Opposition.
Amendments are also being proposed for Permanent Secretaries to be chosen by the President of the Republic, on recommendation of the Public Service Commission, rather than by the Prime Minister.
Amendments to the Public Service Act will also establish a clear legal basis on the appointment of persons of trust.
Zammit Lewis said the government "is determined to enhance the Maltese institutions, with the objective of strengthening our country's reputation, both on a European and an international level."
"These proposals will be a set of reforms which are historic for Malta, especially with regards to the judiciary pillar of our country's democracy," he said.
"These are bold, historic measures, which this administration, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, is taking towards better rule of law and good governance in the organs of the state."
The government, he said, will still be consulting with all interested parties, including the civil society.
After the consultation process comes to an end, the government shall be taking its final decision upon the ultimate Opinion of the Venice Commission.
PN says it was not consulted on many proposals
In a statement, the Nationalist Party said it was not aware of and had not been consulted on many of the proposals mentioned by the Justice Minister. It will be studying the proposals through its internal strutures.
The PN said this is not the way in which consultation should be carried out in a democratic country. Apart from the Opposition, civil society should also be consulted.