The public administration act : an analysis and critique

Abstract

Despite the general opinion about it, the Maltese public service is a dynamic institution, which adapts to the times. Its roots date back to the Order of St John. Since then, but especially in the last century, the development of the public service has been at the centre of many debates, especially with the accession of Malta to the European Union. Government had to adapt its institutional structures to European standards, as a result of which, important issues such as transparency and accountability now enjoy greater prominence. Much recent debate has gravitated around the legislation governing public administration. In fact, there have already been several drafts of a Public Administration Act which for some reason or another never became legislation. The study focuses on the impact of the draft Public Administration Act from the Public Service Commission's point of view and how it could affect its work. It investigates: • the various milestones which led to the creation of the current draft Public Administration Act; • the themes mentioned in the proposed Act, particularly the role of the Permanent Secretaries and Directors General, the Merit Commission vs. the Public Service Commission, the Surplus Pool and whistle-blowers; and • unclear themes and other matters that could be the follow-up to the Public Administration Act. [...]