EY Malta hosted the inaugural National Tax Conference, a first-of-its-kind event bringing together experts from across disciplines to explore the origins and evolution of taxation and its wider impact on Maltese society.

Moving beyond the legislation and technical detail traditionally associated with tax discussions, the conference examined taxation from historical, social and economic perspectives, providing a broader view of how the tax system has evolved alongside Malta and its society.

A central focus was Malta's tax history, with particular attention given to 1948, the year income tax was introduced in Malta. New research presented during the event shed fresh light on the circumstances surrounding its introduction and its impact on Maltese society.

The conference also marked the launch of Dr Robert Attard's book, Arturo Colombo and the Introduction of Income Tax: 'Malta Finance Minister Resigns to Become a Priest'. The book and the story of Arturo Colombo were also discussed during the event, further enriching the conference's exploration of the introduction and early history of income tax in Malta.

The opening panel, "Where did it begin? A Historical Perspective," brought together Dr Robert Attard, Partner at EY Malta; Dr Sergio Grech, Historian, Author and Researcher; and Stephen Palmer, grandson of Steven Gunn, adding a personal connection to the historical discussion.

This history was further brought to life through previously unpublished photographs from the National Archives of Malta, together with period caricatures and other visual material relating to the introduction of income tax.

Commenting on the conference, Dr Robert Attard, Partner at EY Malta, said:

"Taxation is often discussed through the lens of legislation, compliance and technical detail, but its story is much broader than that. By looking back at how taxation developed in Malta, and bringing together different perspectives, we can better understand the role it has played in shaping our society and its continued relevance today."

Building on this historical context, the conference explored a range of themes, including Malta's socio-political model, tax and the common good, and the relationship between taxation, gender, family and equality.

Contributors included Saviour Bezzina, Tax Director at EY Malta; Dr Adrian Delia, Shadow Minister for Finance; Silvio Camilleri, Partner at EY Malta; Mr Mark Cachia, Executive Chairperson of the Interdiocesan Commission for the Promotion of Integral Human Development; Roderick Borg, Tax Director at EY Malta; Dr Lara Dimitrjevic, Director of the Women's Right Foundation; and Maria Cassar, Manager at EY Malta.

The event concluded with a closing address by Hon. Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance, who reflected on the lessons Malta's tax history can offer as the country looks ahead:

"The value of looking back at our tax history is not nostalgia, but perspective. Each generation has had to consider how taxation should respond to the circumstances of its time, and our generation faces the same challenge in a very different environment. Taxation is not an end in itself; it is an instrument that provides government with the resources it needs while allowing individuals, families and businesses to prosper."

The inaugural National Tax Conference highlighted the value of considering taxation beyond its technical application, bringing together diverse perspectives to encourage a broader discussion about where Malta's tax system has come from, the role it plays today and how it may need to evolve for the future.