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.  There are many Western Australians, including some Aboriginal people, who need help to communicate in English.

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 to show how to assess the need for an interpreter 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 from the Western Australian Equal Opportunity Commission Scoping Paper on Indigenous Interpreting Services and was developed by the Department of Communities Office of Multicultural Interests.

Language Services Policy 2008

Aboriginal Languages in Western Australia

Aboriginal Language Centres and Aboriginal Interpreting Services in WA

Aboriginal Languages Policy

The Department of Indigenous Affairs is developing a Western Australian Aboriginal Languages Policy.

This policy will incorporate the maintenance and revival of traditional Aboriginal languages; English literacy development for Aboriginal children and adults and provision of interpreting and translating services.

It is anticipated a draft policy will be released for public comment later in 2010.