The New South Wales state government has announced that it will invest an additional $1 million to revolutionise digital-based interpreting services and improve accessibility in remote areas in the state next year.
The NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Natalie ward said that there had been an increase in demand for telephone and video interpreting as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The funding will ensure people from all backgrounds have equal access to reliable and quality information and services,” said Ms Ward. “It will enable the development of an interpreting mobile phone application, further reducing barriers for communities who speak languages other than English.”
The minister said that the mobile phone application would include digital technology to link police and emergency services to interpreters to ensure there was support for those who needed it most.
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The state government would support up to 100 people on its Interpreter Scholarship Program to become certified with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters this year.
“Scholarship recipients will benefit from subsidised world-class training at TAFE NSW and universities, to speak new, emerging and in-demand languages,” Ms Ward said.
Over the next three years, $8.5 million will be allocated to vital support programmes for refugee as well as new and emerging communities in the state.
The programmes will help with employment, English-language proficiency and job readiness to reduce social isolation particularly among migrant and refugee women and children.
