The Ombudsman at 30: Celebrating three decades of service

The Ombudsman at 30: Celebrating three decades of service

Published January 07, 2025

by Judge Emeritus Joseph Zammit McKeon, Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta

This year, the Office of the Ombudsman will mark its 30th Anniversary since the enactment of the Ombudsman Act 1995 (Cap. 385 of the Laws of Malta).  The Ombudsman, as Officer of Parliament, was a milestone in Malta’s parliamentary history.  The importance of the Office was further reaffirmed when in 2007 its legal status was raised to that of a constitutional office and in 2010 when the operations of the Office were extended to include the Commissioners for Administrative Investigations.From its inception and consistently over the years, the Ombudsman institution has believed and upheld the principles  of transparency, fairness, and justice. 

This thirtieth anniversary of the institution is indeed an opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and look ahead to future challenges. In keeping with its guiding principles, the anniversary theme encapsulates four key dimensions of the Ombudsman’s work:

1. Protecting Rights: From addressing individual grievances to advocating for systematic improvements in the public administration, the Ombudsman has always championed the rights of the person. By investigating complaints and ensuring remedies for those affected, the institution fosters a culture of respect for individual freedoms and dignity.
   
   
2. Ensuring Fairness: The Ombudsman’s mission is grounded in equitable treatment and impartial review. Through reasoned and meticulous investigation, the Office  safeguards persons` interests against unfair administrative acts or omissions.
   
   
3. Standing for Justice: Ensuring fair treatment lies at the heart of the Ombudsman’s mandate. Upholding justice means going beyond technicalities, promoting accountability, laying bare maladministration, and ensuring that government and the public administration operate in accordance with the highest ethical standards.
   
   
4. Fostering Good Governance: The foundations of good governance are transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. By recommending reforms and encouraging dialogue with public institutions, the Ombudsman strengthens institutional integrity, thus contributing to a more open and reliable administration.

The Office has done its fair share to strive for cooperation with the public administration. By favouring dialogue and mutual respect, bridges have been built with government entities in the handling of complaints by aggrieved persons. This approach draws upon Malta’s administrative traditions of impartiality, discreet problem-solving, and swift resolution, further enhancing public confidence in our mission.

Celebrating the institution

The Office of the Ombudsman has prepared three major events to honour the past, engage with the present, and lay the groundwork for future progress.

12 June 2025 – Thematic Lecture 

Theme: “Transparency, Fairness, and Accountability – Cornerstones of Good Administration: The Mandate of the Ombudsman”

Keynote Speaker: Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka, Public Protector of South Africa

The Office will be honoured to welcome Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka at this event as keynote speaker.  The event will be held at the Plenary of House of Representatives, and will include addresses by the Speaker of the House and the Parliamentary Ombudsman. As a leading figure in promoting good governance, Adv. Gcaleka will offer invaluable insights into how ombudsman institutions can strengthen transparency, fairness, and accountability in public administration. A Q&A session will follow, providing attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and participate in an engaging dialogue.

15 – 16 October 2025 – International Ombudsman Conference 

Theme: “Upholding good governance in challenging times: The Role of the Ombudsman”

This two-day international conference will bring together Ombudsmen from the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen, IOI Europe Region, and the IOI World Board, among other esteemed delegates.  Participants will delve into four pressing themes:

1. Building people’s trust: The Ombudsman as a pillar of democracy in times of change
2. Protecting the vulnerable: The role of the Ombudsman in upholding human rights
3. Advancing ethical governance: Strengthening integrity and the principles of good administration
4. Embracing technological innovation: The Ombudsman’s role in the age of digitalisation and artificial intelligence

The Conference will direction attention towards enhancing  collective understanding of how Ombudsman offices can navigate through rapidly changing social, political, and technological landscapes, keeping at their paramount consideration the implementation of of the principles of good governance.

15 October 2025 - Official 30th Anniversary Commemoration 

Venue: Grandmaster’s Palace, under the auspices of H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta

The official anniversary commemoration will be a special ceremony that will be held at the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, and which will be attended by both local and international guests. The celebration will not only recognise three decades of service of public service by the Office but also will highlight the constitutional significance of the Ombudsman institution. 

Looking ahead

The Office of the Ombudsman looks to the future with fair optimism and determination. The necessity of good administration has evolved over time, expanding its reach into areas such as data privacy, environmental governance, and the provision of public services in partnership with private entities. The mandate of the Ombudsman needs encouragement and strengthening to adjust to the challenges of the times.  The time is mature enough for the recognition of good administration as a fundamental right of the person.

The Office will strive to maintain institutional independence, which is essential for upholding impartiality and advocating public trust. By collaborating with international colleagues, including partners in the Mediterranean and European region and beyond, we aim to share best practices, innovate in response to global governance challenges, and encourage future generations to know, recognise and assert their rights.