Commissioner for NGOs set to be rendered ‘more effective’

The law regulating voluntary organisations will be amended, strengthening the role of the commissioner, according to Justice Minister Chris Said.

Through the amendments, which are still being drafted, the Voluntary Organisations Commissioner will become more effective and a clear distinction will be made between the functions and aims of the Maltese Council for Voluntary Sector.

Dr Said made the announcement during an activity organised by the council where 20 voluntary organisations benefitted from a total of €60,000 in a scheme to assist small projects.

Disagreements between the NGO Commissioner’s office and the government have been simmering for years. The commissioner has repeatedly complained that a number of Church-based organisations that refused to register as NGOs were being given ministerial exemptions to benefit from financial aid.