“We are committed to strengthen the fight towards good governance, and the Whistleblowers Act is an important pillar for a better and fairer society.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Justice Dr Owen Bonnici gave this comment during a press conference held earlier today to mark the entering into force of the Whistleblowers Act as of yesterday 15th September. Mr Mario Cutajar, the Principal Permanent Secretary accompanied him during the event.

Dr Bonnici explained in detail the remits of the Act, who can benefit from the various dispositions, the procedures one must undergo to report abuse both in the public and private sector.

He announced that a Government official has been appointed from the level of Assistant Director or above within every Government Ministry to serve as a Whistleblowing Officer detailed to receive reports.

He further said that another high ranking Civil Servant from within the Cabinet Office at the Auberge of Castille has been entrusted with the responsibility of serving as External Whistleblowing Officer who will receive all the reports according to the law.

The Parliamentary Secretary explained how the procedure works and what should a person do to make use of this legislation. The end result is, he said, that when a whistleblower files a report ‘in good faith’, he/she would be protected from any disciplinary actions against him/her.

The Whistleblowing can be exercised on facts which happened both before and after the law entered into force.

Finally Dr Bonnici said that this legislation will give full protection to all those who are honest, and guarantees safety and reassurance against any retribution. At the same time it also serves as an incentive to all those who did any wrongdoing to reveal their actions.

“Our final goal is to achieve good governance for our country,” he said.

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