During a meeting with the Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA), Leader of the PN Alex Borg said that one cannot make policies that make a real difference without consulting professionals.

Addressing representatives from 17 professional organisations, Alex Borg said that the PN will continue its ongoing consultation process to ensure that its policies are based on the realities people live, including those of professionals.

Borg also underlined the importance of transparency and accountability, which should lead to less political interference and a level playing field for all.

The professionals present discussed their concerns, including the lack of professional ethics in tertiary education courses and the bureaucratic procedures that voluntary organisations often face.

On the subject of volunteering, they pointed out that the fact that young people have to work to keep up with the cost of living is leaving them with less time for voluntary work, something that is also eroding our culture of helping others.

The MFPA brings together 17 professional organisations representing a total of 10,000 professionals, including accountants, conservators and restorers, dentists, engineers, doctors, architects, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, psychologists, radiographers, social workers, speech-language pathologists, veterinarians, youth workers, and counselling professionals.

Present for this meeting with the PN Leader were also Shadow Minister for Employment, the Maritime Sector and Aviation Ivan Castillo and Shadow Minister for Sport and Volunteering David Agius.

Representing the Federation were its President James Licari and Chief Executive Norma Camilleri.