Extra $300,000 for interpreting and translating services

The Bligh Government is delivering an extra $300,000 to strengthen interpreting and translating services for Queensland's deaf and multicultural communities.

Disability Services Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the funding would see the Support with Interpreting Translating and Communication (SWITC) pilot program extended into 2011.

"The two-year trial of this unique interpreting, translating and communication service has been so successful that we're committing an additional $300,000 to the initiative," she said.

"It's an initiative that makes a real difference to the lives of people with a disability and Queenslander's from diverse backgrounds.

"It ensures people with hearing disabilities and those who speak different languages can access disability, Home and Community Care and community mental health non-government funded services.

"In particular SWITC provides interpreting and translating to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who are deaf and people who have vision impairment.

"The program offers language interpreters, interpreters fluent in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and Braille translation."

Ms Palaszczuk said the money would be allocated to Deaf Services Queensland which is currently running the SWITC program.

"For example, if someone who speaks a different language requires a Meals on Wheels service, the SWITC service (provided by Deaf Services Queensland) can provide an interpreter to the Meals on Wheels service who will ensure that person's needs are communicated properly," she said.

Member for Yeerongpilly Simon Finn welcomed the additional funding, saying the program was vital for many people in his culturally diverse electorate.

"It's great to see this local program producing such great benefits for the wider community," he said.

"Since the SWITC pilot was launched in February 2009 the number of language services delivered has increased month by month for a total of 416 interpreting and 42 translating.''

Deaf Services Qld CEO Brett Casey said that the announcement was a fantastic result.

"Prior to SWITC commencing many Non Government Organisations could not afford the costs associated with using interpreters and/or translations and often it was the client that missed out on accessing vital services," he said.

"It is through programs such as SWITC that many people from Deaf, Indigenous, Vision Impaired and Non English speaking backgrounds are finally receiving the support they need.

"Deaf Services Queensland looks forward to continuing the provision of language needs for these target groups and working in partnership with Disability Services Queensland to achieve this strategy."

Ms Palaszczuk said SWITC was a response to the Premier's directive that all government departments make provision to meet the cost of interpreters and translating services for non-government services clients.

"Our cultural diversity has provided Queensland with many social and economic benefits," she said.

"We need to ensure people from culturally diverse backgrounds, as well as those who are deaf or have vision impairment, do not miss out on essential services.

"This program also supports the National Disability Agreement commitment to providing more opportunities for people with disability to participate in and enjoy Australia's economic and social life."

Information on Support With Interpreting Translating and Communication is available online at www.switc.org.au or by phoning 3892 8559.

Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
16/07/2010