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The Northern Territory Government today released a new language Services Policy enabling better access to Government services for Territorians who speak languages other than English.

 

Minister for Local Government Rob Knight said it is essential that Territorians who speak languages other than English have access to appropriate information and services.

 

“The Henderson Government takes great pride in the cultural richness and linguistic diversity of the Territory and in Budget 09 has provided $350,000 for ongoing interpreter and translator services to alleviate communication barriers,” Mr Knight said.

 

“Approximately 14% of our population is born overseas and an estimated 29% are Indigenous.

 

“For these Territorians, having to communicate in English can present obstacles to accessing services, full participation in society and in decision making processes.

 

“It is essential they fully understand information about health, justice, education and other vital topics.

 

“The NT Government is committed to ensuring that all Territorians have fair access to services and information and this policy outlines how and where language services can be accessed and why it is important to use them.” 

 

Key features of the policy include promoting the national interpreter symbol and information about the interpreter and translator services provided by the Northern Territory Government.

 

“This new policy is about improving how we currently deliver language services and making sure that all Government agencies share a common approach."

 

“This policy reflects the Government’s commitment to developing and implementing better ways of serving all Territorians.”

 

To see the policy log onto:

http://www.dlgh.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/64537/language_services_poilcy_web.pdf

 

Media contact: Katie Woolf  0420 972 505