We all depend on the disciplined forces to help us and protect us, and it is important that we give them the support they need to do their jobs. We do this by investing in training and equipment to ensure high standards of professionalism. But we should never forget the human dimension.
Each and every member is an individual who deserves appreciation for what they do. It is right that there are career paths and recognition when a job is well done.
As a government we are always looking at ways to improve the treatment of members of the Police Force, Armed Forces of Malta, Civil Protection Department and Corradino Corrective Facility. We are determined to improve the working conditions of the 4,500 members that constitute these four forces to ensure that they feel respected and proud of their work.
We are of the belief that workers who enjoy good conditions will in return provide a better service to those they serve which, in this case, are the citizens who resort to them in times of difficulty.
I am pleased to say our latest initiatives have been well received. Any members who suffer a permanent disability in the line of duty, and are certified unfit to continue to perform their duties, will, for the first time, be entitled to a full pension. This means they will be treated as though they have completed 25 years of service, regardless of how long they’ve actually served.
And if a life is lost during the performance of duty, the member’s spouse or partner, child or dependent will benefit from his or her pension.
This is a clear demonstration that we value not just their efforts but also their unique human value.
Some officers told me that these measures were like a beam of light and they saw them as a sign of confidence in their work.
One told me he had never known what would happen to his family if he suffered from some permanent disability or lost his job, but now his mind was at rest.
A board is being set up to administer these new initiatives. It will be made up of experts in the required fields, and I anticipate that decisions will be made in a speedy fashion, without cumbersome bureaucracy.
Nobody wants to anticipate the worst but it is good to know that arrangements are in place to help those affected by accidents and the like. I would like to go further and introduce some form of insurance for members of the disciplined forces.
Loyalty is a two-way street. My belief is that if you treat people well you get more out of them
We cannot close our eyes and pretend accidents do not happen. We must accept the reality and insure for its possibility. We have issued a call for expressions of interest in this regard and are currently analysing proposals while discussing options with the Finance Ministry.
It’s worth adding that our electoral manifesto pledge stated that these measures were to be introduced for police and soldiers only. I can say without any hesitation that the work in the four respective corps is equal.
Thus, civil protection personnel and officers in corrective services have been included too and will be entitled to a retirement pension. To this effect, in the past few days, two different motions have been unanimously approved in Parliament.
This shows that we are determined to keep to our commitment to remove any anomalies between the forces. In this regard, it is worth noting that it was only recently that the roughly 170 assistant rescue officers in the Civil Protection Department became entitled to a retirement pension after 25 years of service, just like their counterparts in other forces.
Protecting the rights of our officers has been a priority in our mission. A year ago they were given the long-awaited right of representation to join a union of their choice. Now, five unions have been set up and we look forward to further healthy discussions.
Furthermore, measures aimed at enhancing financial packages have also been introduced. More than 1,600 have seen their soldiers’ allowance doubled, leading to an addition of €350 a year, while the cut in tax on extra duty worked by police, down to 15 per cent, will result in members opting for such tasks saving close to €400 yearly.
Loyalty is a two-way street. My belief is that if you treat people well you get more out of them. I look forward to a higher quality service being provided for Maltese and Gozitan citizens.
Carmelo Abela is the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security.