He held various high level posts in financial administration and general management in Malta and Brussels. Mr Dalli also practised as a Management Consultant until appointed to Government.  

In May 1987, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary responsible for industry.

In May 1990, he was appointed Minister for Economic Affairs and after the February 1992 elections, Mr Dalli was appointed Minister of Finance and after the 1998 election he was again appointed Minister of Finance. 

In April 2003, Mr Dalli assumed the responsibilities of Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and in March 2004 the new Prime Minister assigned him with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs and Promotion of Investments, Mr. Dalli’s responsibilities included relations with the European Union, relations with Foreign and Commonwealth Countries, relations with International Organisations and Institutions, international economic relations, external trade, investment promotion, EU information and the Malta Enterprise.

Mr John Dalli was re-elected to the House of Representatives in March 2008 and became Minister for Social Policy on March 12, 2008. His portfolio includes social policy, health, employment, housing, labour, and industrial relations.