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Indigenous Interpreting Project

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Since 2012, NAATI has run the Indigenous Interpreting Project alongside Australian governments and Indigenous organisations. The project aims to:

  • certify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language interpreters
  • collaborate with training providers to support interpreters to get certified
  • increase the accessibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interpreting resources

There are currently 85 NAATI-certified interpreters and translators practising in 22 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages across Australia. Some are listed in the NAATI online directory.

The project’s current focus is on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language interpreting, rather than translation. This is because the need for certified interpreters is more immediate. For this reason, the team at NAATI currently has deeper understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language interpreting sector than the translation sector.

NAATI has started to consult with stakeholders on certifying translators under the NAATI Certification System as language services, communication policies and channels of communication continue to evolve and adapt.

Shared vision

NAATI has certified interpreters and translators in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages since 1981.

Interpreters ensure everyone, no matter what language they speak, can take part in Australian society. Building up Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language interpreting services has been essential. It is the result of the tireless work of passionate and talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interpreters, training organisations, advocates and government.

Our shared vision is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language speakers can access a skilled interpreter when they need one.

Through this vision, we are aiming for:

  • greater social and economic inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language speakers
  • strengthening of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages
  • better service delivery
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights being upheld.

Want to become certified?

Are you an interpreter in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language and interested in NAATI certification? Learn about how you can become NAATI certified here.

Preparation Training, PD & Resources

The Indigenous Interpreting Project offers preparation training and professional development opportunities for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander language interpreters. 

IIP Training and Resources

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Interpreting Newsletter

In 2021 NAATI launched its quarterly publication, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Interpreting Newsletter.

Find all published editions below:

Sign up to the IIP Newsletter

Frequently asked questions

NAATI doesn’t provide interpreting or translation services. You can find contact details of certified interpreters and translators on the NAATI online directory if they have opted in. Interpreters and translators are listed by languages.

You can also contact the following organisations.

Northern Territory:

Western Australia:

South Australia:

Queensland:

In some areas, independent NAATI-certified interpreters offer their services operating under ABNs. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language centres also often provide translation services.

In the late 18th century, when Britain colonised Australia, hundreds of languages were spoken across the continent, and a rich culture of multilingualism existed. Tragically, because of colonisation, most traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are no longer spoken or are in stages of ‘revival’.

There are, however, still many traditional languages and some new languages (creoles and mixed languages) considered ‘strong’ (being acquired by children as a first language) with vibrant communities of speakers, particularly in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, northern Queensland and the Torres Strait. These languages require and have produced highly skilled interpreters.

There are two main reasons why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interpreters are important:

  • Indigenous language interpreters are fundamental to good service delivery outcomes, as they allow users on both sides of the conversation to be linguistically present with each other.
  • Indigenous language interpreters preserve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages by allowing First Language speakers to continue to speak their language.

Interpreting and translation work is complex and challenging. There can be serious consequences if unskilled bilingual people are involved. Often people are asked to interpret in complex situations in which they don’t have the appropriate level of skill or experience. Poor or inaccurate communication leads to adverse outcomes such as injuries, wrongful convictions or loss of trust. The skills needed to translate and interpret are developed through training and professional experience.

NAATI certification is the industry standard for working as an interpreter in Australia. It remains the best consistent measure of interpreter skills and knowledge. Certification assures service providers and Indigenous language speakers that interpreting will be to a high standard. Engaging NAATI certified interpreters benefits everyone – Indigenous language speakers, the organisation and the community.

NAATI certification is particularly valuable for interpreters themselves. Many NAATI-certified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language interpreters have shared the pride they feel that their profession is recognised as highly skilled and that they have met standards shared across all languages. Certification can contribute to career development of interpreters through increased pay and more work.

Understanding the professional code of ethics also assists interpreters. It helps interpreters navigate sensitive relationships between clients and professionals, and encourages ongoing professional development and participation in mentoring.

Meeting the need for people and service providers to access high-quality interpreting and translating services is the overarching vision of NAATI and many other stakeholders operating in the interpreting and translating sectors.

Realising this vision requires that:

  • There are enough highly skilled interpreters available to provide interpreting services when they are needed (supply)
  • People and services providers understand the need for interpreters and engage them properly when they are required (demand)
  • Unfortunately, there are several factors that hinder the interpreting and translating sectors’ ability to balance the supply and demand.

On the supply side, the key barriers are:

  • A lack of new interpreters joining the profession with the skills required to be an interpreter
  • Difficulty retaining skilled interpreters in the profession (this could be due to factors such as a lack of accessible training, lack of career development opportunities, and inadequate remuneration)

On the demand side, the key barriers are:

  • Lack of knowledge from service providers about how, when and why to engage interpreters
  • Lack of access to funds to pay for interpreting services when required

Initiatives that overcome these barriers in the supply and demand of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language interpreters would increase the availability of high-quality interpreting and translating services available for people and service providers who need them. Doing so would result in improved social, health and economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and stop further loss of Indigenous languages in Australia.

Practitioner details

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