Language Services
The Language Services Strategy is a key initiative of the Victorian Government to improve interpreting and translating services for Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Managed by the Victorian Multicultural Commission the strategy is based on research undertaken in 2001 by the Allen Consulting Group who were commissioned to conduct a needs analysis of language services in Victoria. The government allocated $2.75 million over first four years for the strategy which concluded in June 2006. More than 60 projects were undertaken in this phase.
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Bilingual Staff Research Project Report
A set of guidelines has been developed to assist Victorian Government departments and funded agencies take full advantage of the bilingual skills of the Victorian workforce. It contains advice on the recruitment and employment of bilingual staff, the skills that they can bring to your organisation, and the roles that they might fill. Read the Bilingual Staff Research Project Report. (PDF 300 kb)
Victorian Interpreter Card
The Victorian Interpreter Card helps Victorians with limited English access government services by helping them to request interpreter assistance and making it easier for staff to provide assistance in the right language. Learn more about the Victorian Interpreter Card.
National Interpreter Symbol
The national Interpreter Symbol helps people with low English proficiency identify where they can ask for language assistance when using a government service. Learn more about the National Interpreter Symbol
Standards and guidelines
Access information about standards and guidelines for improving the use of translating and interpreter services, data collection, and contract standards for providers of language services. Learn more about the standards and guidelines.
Interpreter scholarships
The scholarship program, now in its fifth year, aims to increase the supply of interpreters in emerging languages, by providing scholarships to students enrolled in interpreting courses at RMIT. Find out more about interpreter scholarships.
Training
There are a number of TAFE preparatory courses available for interpreters and bilingual workers, and interpreter awareness training. Find out more about training opportunities.
Research
Language services research is being undertaken by a range of organisations, including the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health Research and Victoria University. Find out more about the research.
Victorian Public Service (VPS) language allowance
The VPS language allowance provides a salary allowance to bilingual VPS staff who use a language other than English in their day-to-day work with the Victorian public. Learn more about the language allowance.
Tools and resources
A range of tools and resources is available to promote effective delivery of language services to Victoria's multicultural community. Find out more about tools and resources.
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