Aboriginal Language Interpreters and Translators

In reply to the Hon. S.G. WADE (22 June 2016).

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): I am advised:

1. The South Australian Policy Framework: Aboriginal Languages Interpreting and Translating was introduced in February 2014 and implemented under the auspices of the Government’s Chief Executives Group on Aboriginal Affairs and the Senior Officers Group on Aboriginal Affairs.

Shortly after the policy’s release, the Chief Executive of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet wrote to all State Government Chief Executives to ensure that all agencies were aware of the policy and their obligations under it. The policy and an accompanying ‘quick reference guide’ were disseminated in February 2014 and at the time, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation worked across government to promote its use by all departments and agencies.

Interpreters and their services have not been utilised as much as they could be and the government is working to ensuring greater awareness of access to interpreters.

As a response to these concerns, and to support the ongoing implementation of the policy, the South Australian Government is working with the Federal Government to ensure things are done better in the future. We are scoping opportunities for a Northern Territory Aboriginal Interpreter Service (NTAIS) base in metropolitan Adelaide to support more accessible supply for Aboriginal people.

2. The reference group met once in 2015 (on 11 February). The group met again on 23 August 2016.

3. Specific concerns about an agency’s use of Aboriginal languages interpreters and translators should be addressed in the first instance through the agency concerned. Where a complainant is not satisfied with the response by the agency to their individual concern, they should be directed to the appropriate review authority. This might be, for example, the Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner or the SA Police, as appropriate.

Government agencies can raise systemic issues regarding the implementation of the policy framework with the Reference Group, through the Senior Officers Group on Aboriginal Affairs or through the APY Lands Steering Committee.