Indigenous Interpreting Project

Indigenous language interpreters in Australia play a vital role in ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can participate equitably in Australian society.

NAATI-certified Indigenous language interpreters are highly skilled professionals that have demonstrated they have the skills needed to practice as an interpreter in Australia.

Since 2012, NAATI has been working with Australian governments and Indigenous organisations to develop the Indigenous interpreting industry so it can meet the need that exists for highly skilled Indigenous language interpreters. The objectives of the project are to:

• Increase the number of certified Indigenous interpreters and examiners.
• Increase the range of Indigenous languages for which there are certified Indigenous interpreters.
• Increase the accessibility of interpreting resources for Indigenous interpreters and organisations.

Developing and maintaining a pool of NAATI-certified Indigenous language interpreters improves the quality and accessibility of interpreting services when they are required. This results in improved communication and engagement, better service delivery and ultimately, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights being upheld.

The National Indigenous Languages Interpreting Advisory Committee, also known as the NILIAC, was established in 2016 to provide advice to NAATI on issues relating to the Indigenous interpreting sector.