The Auslan, Interpreting and Translating Qualification Review Project has been initiated in response to the Disability Royal Commission 2022 recommendation 6.2: Increase the number of Auslan Interpreters and support the Deaf Census Report – Understanding Auslan.

This report will be developed on a range of feedback and insights gathered from, in the first instance, a desktop environmental scan and then verified via a range of consultative workshops across Australia with peak industry bodies, advocacy groups, service providers, Deaf community members and training providers.

The project will specifically explore:

• The utilisation of the Auslan training qualification, including factors that influence its adoption, accessibility, and relevance in the industry.
• The ability of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) to effectively deliver Auslan interpreter training, addressing challenges related to course content, delivery methods, and training capacity.
• The transition from training qualification to employment as an Auslan Interpreter, exploring the barriers to employment and identifying pathways to successful career entry in the interpreting field.

The project will be delivered in two phases:

Phase One

Focus on the development of a Findings and Recommendations Report to assess the uptake, use and challenges concerning the Auslan, Interpreting and Translating qualifications. It will focus on key areas for improvement and assess how the training can be better leveraged to increase its overall use and effectiveness.

To gather comprehensive insights and feedback, data will be collected through a series of facilitated workshops across Australia with key stakeholders, including peak industry bodies, advocacy groups, service providers, Deaf community members and training providers.

Phase Two

Aimed at the Review, Update, Promotion, and/or Implementation of the Auslan, Interpreting and Translating qualifications (hereafter referred to as Auslan qualification). It will focus on refining the relevant qualifications and promoting their broader use, delivery and implementation.

The outcomes of this phase are expected to enhance the accessibility and quality of Auslan training, ensuring it meets the needs of both the interpreting community and the Deaf community.