Jacquie Petrusma,Minister for Disability Services and Community Development
Tasmania has a thriving multicultural community, however language remains a barrier for many in accessing essential services in Tasmania.
For the first time, the Hodgman Liberal Government’s new Interpreter Training Program will support 20 scholarship recipients to undertake studies in emerging languages.
The Government is committed to creating a strong, confident and inclusive community where all Tasmanians are treated fairly, with respect and have an equal opportunity to engage in Tasmanian life.
The Government has partnered with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) to establish the program, which will ensure language is no longer a barrier for our newest Tasmanians.
The 20 scholarships, valued at $1000 each, will help local interpreters enrol in an online training program through RMIT University, while the pilot program will enable face-to-face classes in Hobart and Launceston throughout the course.
Scholarships have been awarded to interpreters in Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Hazaragi, Nepali, Persian, Tigrinya, Punjabi, Urdu and Vietnamese.
