Since July 1998, 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.

These arrangements are consistent with the principles of multiculturalism, which are enshrined as the policy of the State in the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000. The Act specifies the need to respect and make provision for the culture, language and religion of others within an Australian legal and institutional framework, and for all institutions within the State to recognise and promote the linguistic and cultural assets in the population of New South Wales as a valuable resource.

NSW Government agencies are expected to ensure that interpreter services are provided to clients when needed, and that appropriate translated materials are made available to support service delivery, promote workplace safety, and encourage business and commerce within New South Wales and in international trade.

NSW Government agencies are also required to ensure that contracts with private providers and funding agreements with non-government organizations identify a budget for interpreting and translating, appropriate to the services provided and the needs of the clients of the service, and that appropriate monitoring processes are included in the contracts or funding agreements.

State Owned Corporations should consider whether provision of language services will enhance their business activities, when dealing with clients from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The lead NSW Government agency for interpreting and translating services is the Community Relations Commission, and further information on language service provision may be obtained by contacting the Language Services Division, at the Commission on telephone (02) 8255 6767.

Kristina Keneally MP
Premier