Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1482987
The message underpinning all of the proposals presented in this year's budget is clear: our country's ability to look to the future positively, despite the global economic context, stems from a collective perseverance, a strong economic base, and an ability to engage with all partners, public and private. The proposals presented, which will be coming to fruition in the coming months, will leave a positive impact on both the fishing industry, as well as our continued efforts to protect animal welfare and dignity. In the lead up to these proposals, we have concluded a wide public consultation exercise which will guide us in the drafting of Malta's first National Animal Welfare Strategy. We expect this strategy to be published in the coming months. This strategy is an important step in solidifying Government's efforts in this sector. We have also embarked on a comprehensive review of our current legal framework. As a result, several legislative reforms have already been presented in Parliament, dealing with amendments to the Veterinary Services Act and the Animal Welfare Act. Once enacted, these amendments will deliver on our commitment towards further efficiency and clarity in operations in the area, as well as ensuring that the public sector is able to engage constructively and rapidly with individuals and organisations alike. New legal standards for breeders, trainers, groomers, and pet-sitters are also nearing completion. These measures are extremely important in delivering new, national standards which prioritise the health and well-being of our beloved pets. We are also making good progress on several measures first published in the National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy; the preliminary plans for a new National Veterinary Laboratory have been finalised, as well as an outreach campaign with institutions such as MCAST and professionals directly involved within the field of animal health. Public health remains at the forefront of this Government's vision, and the welfare of our animal population is paramount to reaching our strategic objectives in this sense. In the coming years, we will also be inaugurating new infrastructural projects, including a new Animal Rehoming Centre, as well as a new pet cemetery. This constant drive to modernise and support innovative projects also extends to the fishing sector. Projects such as the installation of new water and electricity pillars, the refurbishment of several winch rooms, and the opening of a new Aquaculture Research Laboratory in Marsaxlokk not only addressed the immediate needs of our fishers, but paved the way for a more sustainable industry. We believe that these initiatives, together with sustained support to fishers such as financial assistance in the ambit of the Ukraine crisis, will allow ample room for economic growth, while preserving our maritime biodiversity for future generations. On the European front, we are constantly engaging with our European counterparts, putting forward proposals addressing both global threats, as well as local needs. The efforts by our representatives in requesting additional security in our fishing zones finally paid off earlier this year, with the arrival of the Lundy Sentinel in our ports - a welcome sight for all fishers. I am also proud of our work with the European Council, which accepted our plea to increase the quotas for bluefin tuna for next year's season, a proposal which if ratified will boost our fishing economy. While maintaining that the stability of the local fish population remains a priority, I am pleased that we managed to convince our European partners that it is now time to give back to the fishers who sacrificed for so long, even financially, to help the conservation effort. Our success on a European level is also in part due to our concerted efforts to improve our international relations in this sector. The Global Small-Scale Fisheries Congress, which our country hosted this September, was a successful exercise in multilateral dialogue. Budget 2023 aims to strengthen the opportunities for dialogue available in this sector. We intend to launch a scheme which aims to facilitate the transfer of experience and know-how between the present generation of fishers and the next. This will not only ensure the preservation of our traditions, but also the flexibility of our fishing sector in adapting to emerging threats. In order to push forward similar developments, this Budget also aims to introduce more technological tools, to be used by both our local fishers, as well as the relative Government agencies overseeing this sector. These tools will ensure a more efficient response by the Government towards all the administrative and logistical needs of our fishers, both presently and in the future. Budget 2023 ensures the financial stability of our country in a time of global socio-economic uncertainty. However, far from resting on our laurels, these proposals are intent on solidifying further this country's wellbeing, while pushing us forward towards a brighter and more equitable future for all. Alicia Bugeja Said Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Sustaining innovation through stability and dialogue The steadiness provided by Budget 2023 will allow Government to further develop its efforts in strengthening our fishing industry, and safeguarding animal welfare MALTA ĊERTEZZA U STABBILTÀ sajd