In his post-budget speech, Malta’s Minister for Justice and Reform of the Constructive Sector, Jonathan Attard, presented an overview of the government’s priorities for reforming both the justice sector and the construction industry, highlighting efforts to improve the quality of life for all citizens.

The 2025 budget is centred on quality improvements across key sectors, including justice, construction, and worker safety, with a financial commitment of over €84 million—representing a 20% increase from the previous year.

Strengthening the Justice Sector

Attard emphasised that the justice sector is a key priority, with a focus on making justice more accessible and efficient. A significant increase in funding for the Court Services Agency will support modernisation efforts, including the introduction of digital systems and the development of additional courtrooms, particularly for criminal juries and domestic violence cases.

The Minister highlighted the government’s attention to domestic violence cases, noting a substantial rise in the frequency of hearings from a few per week to an average of eight, a change attributed to efforts from magistrates and other involved parties.

A new Help Desk initiative will provide citizens with improved access to court services, offering in-person and digital assistance to guide them through the legal process.

Investments in digital infrastructure, such as the installation of projectors, audio systems, and Wi-Fi in courtrooms, aim to streamline proceedings.

A new Court Management Information System is set to be introduced in 2025, contributing further to the digital transformation of the justice system. The construction of a new court complex in Gozo is also underway, further improving access to justice.

Judicial System Expansion and Reforms

A key aspect of the government’s plans is the expansion of the judiciary to address the growing demands of the justice system. The number of judges in Malta has increased to 57, with further appointments for Magistrates and Judges expected.

The focus is also on increasing the specialisation of courts, with the establishment of a new Commercial Court planned for early 2024.

However, challenges around space constraints within the court system have been identified. Despite these concerns, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing these issues and improving working conditions for the judiciary, including ongoing dialogue to ensure that the environment supports their crucial roles.

Legislative Reforms and Digital Transformation

Attard also outlined the government’s ongoing legislative efforts to enhance the justice system. Among the proposed bills are those addressing economic crime, protecting victims of sexual crimes, and extending detention periods for suspects in serious cases.

A new “second chances” bill is also being introduced to promote rehabilitation for individuals who have served their sentences, offering opportunities for reintegration into society.

The digital transformation of the justice system is a major focus, with the government implementing a range of IT systems to modernise services across several justice entities.

This includes initiatives for the Legal Aid Office, the Asset Recovery Office, and systems related to whistleblower cases, all of which are funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Programme.

Reforms in the Construction Sector

The government is also focusing on reforms in the construction sector to improve safety standards and enhance transparency. Legislative changes have been introduced, including the establishment of a new directorate within the Permanent Secretary’s office to address health and safety concerns in the workplace, particularly within construction.

Efforts to implement recommendations from the Jean Paul Sofia inquiry are ongoing, with around 70% of the 36 recommendations are already implemented or nearly completed..

A new helpline, 138, has been launched to assist citizens with construction-related issues, receiving over 11,500 calls in its first four months.

Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) and Building and Construction Authority (BCA)

Both the OHSA and the BCA have seen notable improvements. The OHSA’s budget has increased by 35%, and staffing has grown by 38%.

Inspections in the construction sector have surged, from 1,861 in 2023 to 3,602 in 2024, resulting in numerous stop-work orders, fines, and criminal cases. A new enforcement centre is planned for Gozo to further support these efforts.

The BCA’s budget has risen by 19%, with a 500% increase in funding for key initiatives. The authority now offers a free service to provide legal and technical advice to citizens regarding construction-related issues. In 2024, the BCA conducted over 10,700 inspections, leading to approximately 1,400 stop-work orders and 600 penalty notices.

Construction Licensing and Worker Protection

The government has introduced new regulations to ensure that builders are properly licensed, with an emphasis on raising standards in the sector.

Additionally, new legal amendments require construction sites to have insurance, with employers held personally accountable for ensuring worker safety.

These measures are part of a broader effort to enhance the safety and quality of the construction sector for both workers and the public.

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