Labour MP Carmelo Abela.

The Sunday Times of Malta has filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act for a copy of the employment contract of the government’s official spokesman.

Although Labour MP Carmelo Abela has held this appointment since March, working at the Office of the Prime Minister, he has so far declined to supply information on his employment conditions.

Last June, when this newspaper asked for a copy of his contract, including his salary, benefits and other working conditions, Mr Abela had said his contract had not yet been finalised.

He also declined to reveal the terms of his contract last month, stating that The Sunday Times of Malta had already revealed he was earning €30,000 for his job at the Prime Minister’s office on top of his €28,000 as an MP and Labour whip.

However, this newspaper had only made an estimate based on the salary of a mid-level civil service employee, similar to a ministerial communications co-ordinator, for example, as it was never given details.

Although given no executive powers, Mr Abela is currently receiving a financial package of over €58,000, which is higher than the salary of a Cabinet minister.

Mr Abela is the first backbencher to be appointed as a government spokesman.