The Malta Association for the Counselling Profession (MACP), The Malta Association of Social Workers (MASW), and the Malta Chamber of Psychologists (MCP) said Saturday they remain very concerned at the amendments according to Bill 104 being proposed by the government.

The objects and reasons of this bill are to offer the social wellbeing regulated professions the same remedies and appeal opportunities which are offered in legislation which regulate health care professions.

The associations said they have always valued the relationship with the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights and in the past the relationship has been one of mutual professional respect, collaboration and proper and timely consultation or discussion.

But the associations said they were disappointed that such important decisions about the future of these three professions are being passed with such haste and without proper consultation or discussion with all involved parties.  “We acknowledge that the minister has met with one of the associations and made some amendments to the original proposal. However, it is crucial that all associations have the opportunity to discuss these changes further,” the associations said.

“Several key amendments remain problematic and could profoundly impact our professions and the clients we serve,” the statement said. “These amendments which were not considered can change the future of our professions in Malta and may result in the warranting of persons who are not adequately qualified according to the respective laws that regulate the professions, to the detriment of the clients, service users and patients they serve.”

It is for this reason that “we cannot understand why this process cannot take its due time, with fair and adequate discussion and consideration. A change in law which regulates professions should not be hurried nor should it be done without adequate consultation with those directly involved in the profession and who understand the vulnerabilities of their service users better than anyone,” the associations said.

The Nationalist Party, through its MP Graziella Attard Previ and whip Robert Cutajar, has presented its own proposals after meeting with representatives of the associations.

The proposals made by the Opposition did not find the support of the government.