Labour wants value for money from civil service

The Labour Party wants a public administration that is more modern, effective, transparent, accountable and open and which is administered fairly while respecting people's rights, Labour leader Alfred Sant said yesterday.

Speaking during a consultation meeting on the party's vision statement on the public sector with Union Haddiema Maghqudin officials, Dr Sant said Labour believed the public service should offer value for the money invested in it. The public sector should also offer a career path and be flexible to fit the country's needs.

UHM secretary general Gejtu Vella said the union was pleased it was being involved in the MLP's consultation process. The union, he said, believed the civil service should be administered without political interference.

The UHM had confidence in the Public Service Commission, which, as a watchdog, could offer peace of mind to civil service workers during their career.

He said the UHM wished the MLP's vision statement would include a reference to unions.

Dr Sant explained that the vision statements were aimed at offering a basis on which the party could base its electoral programme.

Other vision statements being prepared focused on the self-employed, agriculture and fisheries, the national heritage and on informatics.