Justyne Caruana awarded new government consultancy

Former Labour MP and Gozo minister Justyne Caruana has been awarded yet another government consultancy contract, this time at a rate that has drawn scrutiny for being significantly higher than typical public sector pay. This latest engagement, beginning in July 2025, represents a continuation of Caruana’s post-ministerial career, which has been marked by multiple high-value government appointments.

According to official publications in the Government Gazette, the consultancy is set at €78,000 excluding VAT for a one-year term. The role requires a 30-hour working week, with hourly remuneration set at €50. The contract has been issued under the Finance Ministry, and observers have noted potential overlaps with other government roles Caruana continues to hold, prompting questions about both the value and necessity of such arrangements.

Career after Cabinet: A series of government contracts

Caruana’s latest appointment is not an isolated case. Since stepping down from Cabinet, she has consistently secured consultancy and advisory roles across multiple government bodies. In June 2023, she was awarded a €48,000 contract with the Lands Authority to provide legal consultancy services.

In addition, she currently receives €78,000 per year from the Commissioner for Inland Revenue for a part-time position as his legal adviser. Shortly after leaving office, records also show she received a €10,000 direct order from the Water Services Corporation, again for legal consultancy work.

Other positions in Caruana’s post-ministerial portfolio include her role as Senior Legal Officer with the Victims Support Agency, a position valued at €40,000 per year, and her advisory role to Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela, reportedly worth around €20,000 annually, plus allowances. Collectively, these contracts highlight a sustained presence in public sector employment despite her previous controversial tenure in Cabinet.

Controversial ministerial career

Caruana’s career in government was marked by controversy, with her ministerial tenure ending in disgrace following two forced resignations. Her first resignation was tied to her failure to disclose a conflict of interest involving her former husband, Silvio Valletta, a former deputy police commissioner.

Valletta maintained a close personal friendship with Yorgen Fenech, the businessman accused of commissioning the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. During discussions in Cabinet concerning the deputy commissioner’s role in the investigation, Justyne Caruana did not inform her colleagues of this apparent conflict of interest. Valletta, as a key officer in the investigation, represented a direct ethical concern, and Caruana’s omission contributed to her first resignation.

Reappointment and subsequent misconduct

After being given a second chance in government, Caruana’s tenure quickly drew further criticism. Soon after her reappointment, she issued a €15,000 direct order to her boyfriend, footballer Daniel Bogdanović, commissioning a report on the National School of Sport. Investigations later revealed that someone else had completed the report in Bogdanović’s name.

The Standards Commissioner examined the matter and concluded that Caruana had breached the ministerial code of ethics. The commissioner’s 89-page report indicated that her actions “outright possibly constitute a crime,” emphasizing both the ethical and potential legal implications of the appointment.

Additionally, Caruana received €28,539 in termination benefits following her first resignation, further adding to public scrutiny over the financial benefits she accrued during and after her ministerial service.

Public response and ethical questions

The accumulation of high-value consultancy contracts for Caruana has sparked debate within both political and public spheres. Critics argue that the rate of €50 per hour exceeds standard public sector pay for comparable legal consultancy roles and raises concerns about transparency and fairness in government appointments.

Supporters, however, assert that Caruana’s extensive experience in legal and administrative matters justifies her appointments. They note that her roles often involve specialised advisory responsibilities that may warrant higher remuneration than typical government employees.

Nonetheless, the overlap of multiple government positions and consultancy roles has fueled calls for stricter regulations on post-ministerial appointments, particularly in cases where former Cabinet members retain influence over public funds and decision-making processes.

Legal considerations and risk mitigation

Given the sensitive nature of Caruana’s previous ministerial controversies, it is noteworthy that her ongoing appointments are structured carefully to minimise legal and ethical risks. Contracts are formally issued through the appropriate government channels, with clear terms of reference specifying hours, duties, and remuneration.

This approach contrasts sharply with her previous ministerial decisions, which were criticised for conflicts of interest and breaches of ethical codes. By formalising her engagements through the Finance Ministry and other official bodies, Caruana’s current consultancy arrangements appear designed to withstand scrutiny and avoid legal challenges.

Legal observers have noted, however, that the perception of impropriety may persist due to the cumulative nature of these contracts and the high-profile nature of her past controversies. Transparency advocates continue to call for clearer reporting and auditing of consultancy payments to former ministers to ensure public trust in the allocation of taxpayer funds.

Implications for government consultancy policies

Caruana’s case highlights broader questions about post-ministerial employment and government consultancy policies. While it is common for former ministers to engage in advisory work, the simultaneous holding of multiple high-value contracts raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the capacity to perform each role effectively.

Policymakers may need to consider introducing limits on concurrent contracts for former ministers or establishing independent oversight mechanisms to assess remuneration rates against standard public sector benchmarks. Such measures could help balance the need for experienced advisors with public expectations of transparency, fairness, and ethical governance.

Conclusion

Justyne Caruana’s continued engagement in high-value government consultancy roles underscores the complexities surrounding post-ministerial employment in Malta. While her legal expertise and administrative experience are undeniable, the cumulative value of her contracts, combined with her controversial ministerial past, raises important questions about transparency, ethical governance, and public trust.

Her case highlights the need for clearer policies and oversight mechanisms to ensure that former ministers’ appointments are fair, accountable, and free from potential conflicts of interest. As Malta navigates these challenges, Caruana’s career serves as both a case study and a reminder of the delicate balance between leveraging experienced advisors and maintaining public confidence in government operations.

FAQs

What is the value of Justyne Caruana’s latest consultancy contract?
Her latest contract, starting July 2025, is worth €78,000 excluding VAT for a one-year term.

Which ministry awarded Caruana this contract?
The Finance Ministry officially issued the consultancy agreement.

What previous roles has Caruana held since leaving Cabinet?
She has held legal consultancy roles with the Lands Authority, Inland Revenue, Water Services Corporation, and advisory positions with Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela and the Victims Support Agency.

Why did Caruana resign from Cabinet?
She resigned twice, first for failing to disclose her husband’s conflict of interest and later for issuing a direct order to her boyfriend that breached ethical codes.

How much did Caruana earn from her previous contracts?
She earned €48,000 from the Lands Authority, €78,000 from the Commissioner for Inland Revenue, €10,000 from the Water Services Corporation, and around €60,000 combined from other advisory roles.

Did Caruana face ethical investigations?
Yes, the Standards Commissioner concluded she breached the ministerial code of ethics, and her actions “outright possibly constitute a crime.”

How are Caruana’s current contracts structured?
They are formalised through government bodies, specifying duties, hours, and remuneration to minimise legal and ethical risks.

Are there concerns about overlapping roles?
Yes, holding multiple high-value contracts simultaneously has prompted questions about conflicts of interest and the ability to fulfil each role effectively.

What impact has Caruana’s case had on public policy?
It has sparked debate on transparency, remuneration standards, and oversight of post-ministerial consultancy appointments.

What measures could reduce public concern over such contracts?
Introducing limits on concurrent contracts, independent oversight, and auditing of payments could enhance transparency and public trust.