Gerald Fenech
The Director of Local Government Natalino Attard has not had his three year performance contract renewed by the Office of the Prime Minister, MaltaToday can exclusively reveal.
Attard’s last day at the office was in fact last Friday, and in fact, a cursory visit to the OPM website where the Local Government Department is listed already has the position of Director indicated as vacant.
Confirming his termination of contract, Attard told MaltaToday that he had no further comments to make, although he added that he was “considering making a petition to the appropriate authorities.”
Attard had been in the position for six years, having been appointed in 2003 and having had his contract renewed for a second three year period in 2007.
He was involved in the local council field ever since the system’s inception in 1994 and played an active role in the Local Councils Reform starting in May 2008. Attard’s contribution towards the improvement of local government in Malta spans a cumulative period of eleven years.
The Principal Permanent Secretary Dr Godwin Grima also confirmed that Attard was not re-appointed to the position of Director General after having applied for a renewal of his contract.
“It is confirmed that Mr Natalino Attard re-applied for the post of Director Local Government. His current term comes to an end on 16 April hence why the position was included in the circular advertising a number of posts that needed to be filled. I also confirm that the Senior Appointments Advisory Board, which is chaired by the undersigned, felt that none of the applicants who applied for this particular post should be recommended for appointment,” Dr Grima told MaltaToday.
The PPS also confirmed that the whole process is clearly mapped out on the intranet and all officers are aware that one can petition the Public Service Commission if one feels aggrieved by the advice proffered by the SAAC.
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