The Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, addressed a conference marking the completion of the first year of the EU-CoE Joint Project 'Attorney General and State Advocate in Malta - Implementation of Action Plan of Offices Re-organisation', his ministry said.
This initiative aims to bolster the operational independence of the State Advocate and Attorney General's offices following their separation in 2019, enhancing their capacity for effective governance and justice delivery.
In his keynote speech, the Minister emphasised the significance of the project in promoting accountability, transparency, and operational independence within Malta's justice system. "As we celebrate the achievements we have attained during the first year of this project, it is essential to reflect on how and why this journey began," he stated, recalling the critical recommendations by the Venice Commission that led to the legislative changes in 2019.
The separation of the roles of the Attorney General and State Advocate was a pivotal moment for Malta, establishing the State Advocate as an advisor to the government while positioning the Attorney General as the chief prosecutor. This reorganisation marked a commitment to enhancing the operational independence of both offices, ensuring they can serve the nation with the excellence it deserves.
Since the project's inception, the government has received consistent support from the DG-Reform, which has been instrumental in assessing the current state of the offices and developing an actionable plan for their operational regeneration.
The conference featured addresses from notable figures, including Ms. Nathalie Berger, Director of DG REFORM at the European Commission, Ms. Clare Ovey, Director of the Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law at the Council of Europe, Dr. Victoria Buttigieg, Attorney General, and Dr. Christopher Soler, State Advocate. Their participation underscored the collaborative efforts to advance justice reform in Malta.
During the event, attendees were informed about the various accomplishments of the past year, including the establishment of the Director of Strategy and Initiatives in both offices to ensure sustained implementation of the action plan. The government has also signed two collective agreements with legal professionals, recognising their vital role in the justice system and supporting their professional development.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to advance the digital transformation of the justice sector. The publication of a tender for a new information management system for the Court Services Agency aims to enhance efficiency across all administrative and judicial functions. Future case management systems for both the Attorney General and State Advocate's offices will be fully interoperable with court systems, streamlining services for legal professionals and improving overall judicial processes.
The conference served as a platform for collaboration among national stakeholders, fostering discussions on the alignment of project objectives with ongoing initiatives by Maltese authorities. The Minister reiterated the importance of continuous training and improved capacities within the justice sector, emphasising the need for public trust and accountability.
As the event concluded, Minister Attard expressed confidence in the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved. "While we celebrate our achievements, much work remains to ensure a justice system of the highest calibre in our country. I am confident that with your expertise, dedication, and insights, we will continue this journey of continuous improvement for our justice system," he stated.