Aboriginal Language Interpreters and Translators

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:23): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation questions in relation to Aboriginal language interpreters and translators.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: The Department of State Development's Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Program is responsible for coordinating the work of the South Australian policy framework for Aboriginal languages, interpreters and translators. This work includes coordinating the implementation of the policy across South Australian government agencies and services. As part of monitoring and implementing this policy, a reference group was established. I understand that all agencies have been made aware of the policy and provided with a quick reference document. My questions to the minister are:

1. What has been done to develop a coordinating system and to improve the level of awareness around the use of interpreters and translators for Aboriginal languages?

2. How often has the reference group charged with monitoring the implementation of the policy met in the past year?

3. What formal mechanisms are in place to ensure that Aboriginal community members, interpreters and government agencies are able to raise any concerns they have with the reference group and do these mechanisms include the opportunity for concerned parties to meet face-to-face with the reference group?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Employment, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Science and Information Economy) (14:25): I thank the honourable member for his important question and interest in this area. Certainly the issue of Aboriginal languages and the use of interpreters are very, very important issues. There are a number of reasons why it is important. In terms of language generally, we are fortunately seeing right across South Australia significant moves in terms of language revival, whether it be Kaurna, Narungga, or the Boandik language revival, I have experienced most recently in the South-East, or recently on the Far West Coast in Ceduna, at the back of the Arts Centre there is a very impressive project with Mirning and Kokatha languages now being taught much further in schools and with young people.

In terms of interpreter and translation services, these are also very important for people who have English as a second language, particularly in central regions of South Australia, being able to access services more effectively and efficiently. In terms of meeting of a reference group, I do not have information about when a reference group last met, but I will take that on notice and bring back the answer to the honourable member's question and other questions he asked about the particular reference group and when it met and what it is doing. I will include his whole question in that. With my left hand, I did not get a chance to write down exactly what all parts of the question were, but please be assured they will be included in what I bring back.