Although guidelines on the engagement of staff for ministers’ secretariats establish specific salary and allowances for the Head of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Dr Lawrence Gonzi’s Head of Secretariat had been paid well over those guidelines since 2008, with the specific approval of Dr Gonzi.

Answering a parliamentary question by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said his own current Chief of Staff is receiving 10 per cent less than Dr Gonzi’s, even though he has the additional responsibilities of the Strategic and Priorities Unit which is being set up in every ministry.

The Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff is Keith Schembri. Dr Gonzi’s was Edgar Galea Curmi.

Dr Muscat said his Government’s perception of private secretariats is different to the previous government’s.

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