A Bill for the setting up of a Council for Maltese Living Abroad has been published by the government.

Foreign Minister Tonio Borg, who is currently meeting the Maltese community in Australia before attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, said the setting up of the council would realise a dream of many Maltese emigrants.

The council will have 12 members representing Maltese communities around the world, including five in Australia. The members will be nominated by the prime minister after consulting the leader of the opposition.

The foreign minister will preside the council but will not have a vote.

The council will advise the government on matters involving the Maltese abroad, and the government will refer to the council on matters affecting the Maltese abroad.

The council will be required to hold a meeting in Malta once a year, while other meetings may be held by video-conference.

The Bill also provides for the setting up of a Maltese Cultural Institute.

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