Steve Georganas (Hindmarsh, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, and they became citizens back in the fifties, a long time ago.

We can thank the Whitlam government and, in general, the adoption of multiculturalism—with Fraser, of course, as well—for the growth of the interpreting and translating industry. A pivotal moment in the profession was the establishment of the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters in 1977 and the introduction of accreditation and testing for different levels of interpreters and translators. This was an important step in regulating the service and the industry.

Today there are thousands of interpreters and translators working around the country. I would like to take a moment just to thank them for providing these essential services. I thank them for their professionalism, their commitment and their ethics. Having elderly parents myself whose first language is Greek, I have been exposed to a number of interpreters over the years. Recently my mother has been ill, and even though her English skills are quite good and she can communicate, when it comes to doctors and specialists it is good to err on the side of being absolutely sure that she understands everything. So we arranged an interpreter for her, and I went along as well. I would like to thank Dennis Dellis, who was absolutely fantastic, for his help and the reassurance he provided my mother during that very difficult time. He was wonderful. Every interpreter I have dealt with has been just like him—wonderful people.

Interpreters and translators are needed today more than ever. According to the 2011 census, there are more than three million people in Australia who speak a language other than English. But, despite much advancement in the profession, we have an obligation as MPs to ensure that there is adequate training available for interpreters and translators, appropriate regulation and fair and just remuneration. Interpreters and translators often work in stressful and demanding conditions, often when their clients are facing very, very difficult moments. Their work and their skills deserve our respect and our recognition.

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