Since July 1989, it has been NSW Government policy that NSW Government agencies fund the provision of language services (that is, interpreters and translated materials) when dealing with clients, in order to provide all clients with access to Government services.

This is consistent with the principles of cultural diversity which have been incorporated into the Ethnic Affairs Act 1996 as amended. The Act specifies the need to respect and accommodate the culture, language and religion of others within the Australian institutional framework.

NSW Government agencies including Government Trading Enterprises are expected to ensure that contracts with private providers and funding agreements with non-government organisations identify a budget for interpreting and translating appropriate to the services provided and the needs of the clients of the service. In relation to State Owned Corporations, I consider that this provision provides a sound approach when dealing with people from a non-English speaking background.

Funding agencies are also expected to ensure through program monitoring that where such funding is made that language services are provided to clients who need them.

These provisions should be integrated into the necessary documentation as a matter of course.

Bob Carr
Premier