Translation and interpreting to become essential services
Changes to Victoria’s multicultural legislation will recognise language services as essential for people who need to access government services in their language.
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs will be able to direct certain public sector organisations to use VITS LanguageLoop(opens in a new window) for interpreting and translation.
This aims to ensure critical government services are supported by high-quality and accessible language services.
Why these changes are needed
Every Victorian, regardless of their language background, has the right to meaningfully engage with government services, make informed decisions and be given fair treatment.
Victoria’s Multicultural Review found that language services are essential for Victoria’s multicultural communities.
The review recommended that critical areas of government should use the government’s state-owned provider, VITS LanguageLoop for translation and interpreting. This aims to improve the equity, quality and delivery of language services.
When does this change start?
Before VITS LanguageLoop can become the first provider of choice for any organisation, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs must:
- undertake a Regulatory Impact Statement
- consult with the relevant portfolio Minister
- issue a declaration.
All existing language services contracts will be honoured. No declarations will be issued until an entity’s existing contract expires.
The government will continue to consider future opportunities to work with private language service providers to deliver value-for-money and support quality outcomes.
Who must use VITS LanguageLoop?
Only public entities subject to a declaration will be required to use VITS LanguageLoop.
The following organisations cannot be directed to use VITS LanguageLoop but may use them voluntarily:
- private sector organisations
- some public entities, such as integrity agencies and Parliamentary Departments.
What if VITS LanguageLoop can’t provide the required service?
Departments and entities who become subject to a declaration can obtain services from a different provider if VITS LanguageLoop is unable to or declines to provide the requested service.
About VITS LanguageLoop
First established in 1975, VITS LanguageLoop is the government-owned language services provider. It is established as a State Body under the State Owned Enterprises Act 1992(opens in a new window).
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