The Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008

The Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008 aims to ensure that language is not a barrier to services and programs for people who require assistance in English. Among Western Australians who require assistance with communicating effectively are Indigenous people, migrants and those who are deaf or hearing impaired.

The Policy includes underlying principles, minimum standards, a broader definition of ‘interpreters and translators’ to increase the number of people who can provide these services, and implementation guidelines as to how to assess the need for an interpreter or translator and use their services.

The Policy was revised following a Needs Analysis of Interpreting and Translating Services within the Western Australian Government Sector and a formal review of the 2000 Language Services Policy. It incorporates findings of the WA Equal Opportunity Commission Scoping Paper on Indigenous Interpreting Services.

• Review of the Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008 Stage 1 Report
• Language Services Policy 2008 Review Discussion Paper
• Language Services Policy 2008
• How to use an interpreter on-site
• How to use a telephone interpreter
• Frequently Asked Questions for Public Sector Agencies

New Interpreter Card and Information Brochures are now available.
There are two brochures that provide information about the Policy:

• Information for Communities (translated versions are available in Arabic, Karen, Chinese, Dari, Dinka, Italian, Polish, Serbian, Swahili and Vietnamese)
• A guide for Government agencies.

A revised WA Interpreter Card is also now available. The brochures and Interpreter Card are available from the agencies listed here.

External links:

Locating translators and interpreters

• NAATI Directory of Accredited and Recognised Practitioners of Interpreting and Translating: http://www.naati.com.au
• Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT): http://www.ausit.org
• Western Australian Institute of Translators and Interpreters (WAITI): http://www.waiti.org.au
• The Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association (ASLIA): http://aslia.com.au
• Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/help-with-english/help_with_translating/

Interstate language services information

• Victorian Multicultural Commission: http://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/projects-and-initiatives/improving-language-services
• Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW: http://www.crc.nsw.gov.au/services/language_services
• Multicultural Affairs Queensland: http://www.multicultural.qld.gov.au/services-resources/translating-interpreting-services/
• Multicultural South Australia: http://www.translate.sa.gov.au/saitc_web/
• Multicultural Tasmania: http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/cdd/multitas/how_to_get_interpreting_assistance
• Northern Territory Office of Multicultural Affairs: http://www.dcm.nt.gov.au/strong_community/a_great_place_to_live_and_work/multicultural_affairs/interpreter_services
• ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs: http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/matsia/multicultural/services/interpreting_services