On 14 January 2011 the Malta High Commission in Canberra published an Information Paper prepared by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Tonio Borg, relating to the establishment of a Council for Maltese Living Abroad and the Maltese Cultural Institute.
The paper contains the main principles of a draft Bill on the Council of Maltese Living Abroad and the establishment of the Maltese Cultural Institute. The paper is intended to serve as a basis for a consultation process on the proposal with the Maltese community.
The High Commission has invited all community organisations and associations to participate in this consultation process and to submit their comments, proposals and suggestions to the Malta High Commission in Canberra by March 2011.
The Maltese Community Council of Victoria welcomes the issuing of the paper and the consultation process. The Minister is to be commended on following through on his announcement at last year’s Convention. The setting up of a Council by law will mark a historic watershed in the Maltese Government’s relationship with the Maltese Diaspora, raising it to a higher level.
Link to Consultation Paper
Establishing a Council for Maltese Living Abroad – Information Note for Consultation