The Whistleblower Act came into force today, Parliamentary Secretary Owen Bonnici said.

Speaking at a press conference he said this was among the first pieces of legislation moved by the new government, and he was urging all those who knew of corruption to come forward.

He said every ministry would have a senior officer called Whistleblower Officer who would handle cases. 

The Cabinet Office would also have an External Whistleblower Office to receive any information regarding the government and its companies.

Dr Bonnici said the law also applies to large private organisations, which are obliged to appoint a Whistleblower officer. People may also report to the regulating authorities (such as the MFSA in the case of financial organisations).

Small companies have for now been exempt from the law.  

Dr Bonnici said the identity of whistlebowers may not be revealed in any circumstance. Such people will also be exempt from disciplinary action.

However when reports were not made in good faith, those making the allegations may be subject to action against them.