In a significant Cabinet adjustment, Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul will take over the housing portfolio following the resignation of Roderick Galdes. This move, revealed during a Labour Party event, positions Ellul to oversee critical areas such as affordable accommodation and social housing, building on his proven track record in fostering inclusive policies. Ellul, who will continue serving as Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue, brings a wealth of experience in advocating for workers’ rights and social justice to this new responsibility.
Dr. Andy Ellul, a lawyer by profession and a Labour Party MP since his election in March 2022, has been a steadfast figure in Malta’s government. Appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Social Dialogue shortly after his parliamentary debut, Ellul has dedicated his tenure to strengthening the bonds between government, employers, and workers. His approach has been characterized by quiet, meaningful reforms that prioritize fairness and sustainability, earning him recognition as a voice of social conscience within the administration.
Andy Ellul
Key Achievements in Social Dialogue
Over the past few years, Ellul has spearheaded initiatives that have had a tangible positive impact on Maltese society, particularly in the realm of labor rights and worker recognition. Here are some highlights of his contributions:
• Advancing Workers’ Rights Legislation: Under Ellul’s leadership, several new laws were enacted to enhance protections for employees, ensuring better working conditions and fair treatment across industries. These reforms have helped create a more equitable labor market, reflecting his commitment to social justice. As Ellul himself noted, “By virtue of such laws, we manage to create an ecosystem which is giving results. We have full employment in Malta, we are champions of workers’ rights.”
• Launching and Hosting the National Worker of the Year Awards: Ellul introduced the annual National Worker’s Day awards in 2022, celebrating the dedication and resilience of Malta’s workforce. The initiative continued successfully, with the 2025 edition hosted by his secretariat, honoring outstanding individuals and promoting a culture of appreciation for hard work. This program not only boosts morale but also highlights the fruits of collective labor efforts. Speaking about such recognitions, Ellul described the ceremony as “more than a recognition event,” emphasizing the “hard work, humanity and passion” of the honorees.
• Reforming the Industrial Tribunal: In a major step toward modernizing dispute resolution, Ellul announced a comprehensive reform of Malta’s industrial tribunal system in 2025. This initiative aims to make the process more efficient and fair, addressing long-standing concerns from workers and unions alike. Ellul stressed that “social dialogue is crucial” in achieving these outcomes.
• Promoting Global Social Justice: Ellul has represented Malta on the international stage, addressing the annual forum for the Global Coalition for Social Justice in 2025. He emphasized the importance of constructive social dialogue in achieving sustainable transitions, underscoring Malta’s role in broader European and global efforts. In one address, he stated, “Technology will continue to evolve and develop, whether we like it or not. And this means that we, together with all social partners, must learn to embrace these changes and be proactive in terms of trying to anticipate the various challenges that may impact workers’ rights and livelihoods as a result of these developments.”
Andy Ellul
• Fostering Fair Social Dialogue Practices: As the head of the Secretariat for Social Dialogue, Ellul has worked to ensure that recommendations from commissions and forums are balanced and inclusive. His efforts have contributed to landmark achievements in Malta’s social dialogue framework, creating environments where all stakeholders can thrive. On initiatives like the Right to Disconnect, Ellul said, “I believe that through social dialogue that we use, we can have a strong model that serves the country’s needs, and other countries, as they have done in other sectors, will look to us as leaders in our country’s labour market.” He added, “We don’t wait for the EU or laws on the labour market. We act and are proactive, and this is what we are doing today, through dialogue with social partners, employers and unions, and also by extending to families.”
These accomplishments demonstrate Ellul’s dedication to building a just society, where growth is matched with grace and empathy. His prior role as a legal and policy advisor to the government for eight years further equipped him with the expertise to navigate complex social issues. Reflecting on his approach to union membership and labor reforms, Ellul remarked, “As a politician, I can easily say that I accomplished what was expected out of me. However, I do not want to stop there – I hope to see unionisation in Malta continue to grow.”
Looking Ahead in Housing
As Ellul steps into the housing portfolio, there is optimism that his experience in social dialogue will translate into innovative approaches to addressing Malta’s housing challenges. Affordable and social housing are pivotal for ensuring that economic progress benefits all citizens, aligning with the values he has championed. Prime Minister Abela’s decision to entrust Ellul with this role signals confidence in his ability to deliver results with the same integrity and focus on people that defined his time in social dialogue.
In an era where social equity is paramount, Andy Ellul’s expanded responsibilities offer a promising path forward for Malta. His track record speaks volumes: a leader who turns dialogue into action, and policy into positive change.
