The track record of the Labour Government speaks for itself, this is a government which, unlike previous administrations, always delivered on it promises. This is a government whose order of the day is to implement courageous reforms, invest in human resources, and carry out the necessary infrastructural projects to better the life of all. Last week’s budget is a clear proof of this.

Throughout this year, the Ministry for Justice has opted for a hands on approach, with a proactive mindset, and carried out much needed refors in various fields of law, whilst also kickstarting a process to take on and reform a number of civil and criminal procedures. These upcoming reforms include the compilation of evidence reform, the reform in the referrals system, the magisterial inquiries and the family court amongst others.

To take on such important reforms, there must be a commitment from all the parties in the system, and the government is clearly doing its part from a financial point of view. In fact, for the coming year and as part of the 2023 Budget, the Ministry for Justice was allocated €49 million. This adds an increase of investment in justice of 6% from 2022.

This investment will continue to improve the operations of the justice sector, thus ensuring a more accesible, efficient and effective justice system. In 2023, the Court Services Agency will undergo major infrastructural projects including the addition on new halls to cater for the increase in cases. Furthermore, following the signing of the first collective agreement few months ago, the Agency will continue to invest in the human resources, including through specialised training and improving the customer relationship experience.

In addition to this, as announced at the beggining of the forensic year, the Judiciary will increase by two judges and two magistrates in order to ensure a more expeditious disposal of cases.

For another year, the Ministry will continue to impliment the Digital Justice strategy, backed by a budget of over €6.3 million, which will seek to facilitate the transition to a more digitized justice system and ensuring that it is accessible to all. This project will include the modernisation of all court halls technological systems, such as wifi, audio and video-conferencing systems, legal aid management system and upgrades on the information systems of the institutions which fall under the Justice portfolio, amongst others.

The offices of the State Advocate and Attorney General will embark on the engagement of more advocates to work within the office, while also offering specialised training, seminars and mentoring sessions to ensure continuous career progression and that our Lawyer’s are well vested to carry our their duties.

Furthermore, the office of the Attorney General will continue to assume a more prosecutorial role, as more prosecutions are transferred from the Police to the AG, this will also mean that procedures are carried out more quickly.

The Notary to the Government, which was awarded the Quality award earlier this year, will continue to refurbish its offices and public spaces to ensure that the customers are well served. The office of the Notary will also see the completion of the Notarial Archive project, which includes the restoration of the building, the equippment of modern shelving systems, climate and temperature control systems, purchase of digitization equipment, the establishment of a museum and visitor center, a paper conservation laboratory, and an adequate space as a reading room for researchers.

The 2023 Budget has also increased the allocation to the Asset Recovery Bureau by 25% compared to 2022. The ARB is working on the ambitious project of the construction of a specialized building to store confiscated assets. In parallel to this, the Bureau is upgrading its enxhange and information systems while also constantly engaging with stakeholders to strengthen cooperation.

The Law commission plays an important role in the legislative reform process. The commission is constantly analysing, reporting and proposing legal amendents to strengthen our legal system. The commission have seen its budget increasing year by year, and this year is no exception, with an increase of 33% over the previous year.

Finally, as a Ministry we must ensure to be hands on, ensure that all the stakeholders, entaties and departments are working well together to ensure that we deliver on our promises and provide an effective and efficient justice system. This is the certainty and stability that the people have voted for, and we must ensure that we keep our promises, as we have always done.

Jonathan Attard is Minister for Justice