Interpreter Symbol and Card Launched

The Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, John Pandazopoulos, has launched the Interpreter Symbol and Victorian Interpreter Card. The symbol and card will help people from non-English speaking backgrounds who need language assistance when accessing government services.

THE INTERPRETER SYMBOL

The interpreter symbol lets people know they can ask for language assistance when using a service. It can be displayed where clients enter services, in public areas and on websites. Organisations with interpreter services and language services policies are encouraged to display the sign. If your organisation does not have such a service or policy you can contact VOMA on 9208 3166 for further information.

THE VICTORIAN INTERPRETER CARD

The card is designed for people who find it difficult to communicate in English and require language translation assistance. The card states the card-owners preferred language in English so that service providers can arrange for appropriate interpreter and language services. The card can be used wherever Victorian Government services are provided including at hospitals, police stations, schools and community centres.  Victorian Government services are then generally obliged to arrange for an interpreter or staff member who speaks your language. If they fail to do so you can complain to the service or if you are dissatisfied with the service response direct your complaint to the Victorian Ombudsman on 1800 806 314.

A brochure on the card is available in thirty languages including: Amharic, Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, Croatian, Dari, Dinka, English, Farsi, Filipino, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Khmer, Macedonian, Maltese, Nuer, Oromo, Pashito, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Sinhalese, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tamil, Tigrinya, Turkish and Vietnamese.

People seeking further information on the card should contact the ECCV on 9349 4122, VOMA on 03 9208 3166 or www.voma.vic.gov.au or to arrange for copies of the Interpreter Card brochure in your preferred language contact WFDS or 9793 8111 or orders@wfds.com.au .

ECCV PROUD SUPPORTER OF CARD

Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria is a proud supporter of the Interpreter Symbol and Victorian Interpreter Card and congratulates the Victorian Government and VOMA for launching these valuable products. All citizens deserve decent access to universal government services regardless of their language abilities.  We welcome ECCV member’s comments on the new system and are pleased to be a partner with VOMA in rolling out this initiative.

For further information go to  http://www.voma.vic.gov.au