It is important that the professional and industrial standards established by the language services industry are recognised, and individuals working in this industry are properly remunerated and protected from industrial exploitation.

This is also consistent with the Government's commitment to quality interpreter and translator services.

For this reason all agencies should ensure that any supplier of language services to the government employs staff or sub-contracts on terms and conditions based on a New South Wales industrial instrument specifically established to cover professional interpreting and translating services.

Memorandum No.1998-22 reminded Ministers that it is NSW Government policy that government agencies fund the provision of language services (that is, interpreting services and translated materials) when dealing with clients in order to provide all clients with access to Government services.

All agencies must ensure that quality interpreting and translating services are delivered through properly employed or contracted interpreters and translators whose industrial rights are protected.

Bob Carr
Premier