❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice regarding the implementation, funding, and policies related to the Western Australian Languages Services Policy within agencies under the Treasurer and Attorney General's portfolios. The responses reveal varying levels of policy implementation and expenditure across different agencies.
AnsweredQoN 6473Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
In relation to the Western Australian Languages Services Policy, launched by Premier Colin Barnett in 2008, which states that Government agencies are required to have policies for funding and delivering translating and interpreting services that take account of relevant Government policy, legal circumstances and the needs of potential and current clients, I ask:
(a) what policies in each agency in the Treasurer’s departments have been implemented, and when;
(b) what funding and expenditure has been incurred since 2008 on translation and interpreting services by which agencies and to whom was the funding paid;
(c) can the Treasurer please table all policies which have been produced and are readily available to agency staff and clients; and
(d) in each agency, can the Treasurer please list which situations have been identified where interpreters and translators must, should or may be used?
(a) what policies in each agency in the Treasurer’s departments have been implemented, and when;
(b) what funding and expenditure has been incurred since 2008 on translation and interpreting services by which agencies and to whom was the funding paid;
(c) can the Treasurer please table all policies which have been produced and are readily available to agency staff and clients; and
(d) in each agency, can the Treasurer please list which situations have been identified where interpreters and translators must, should or may be used?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
29 November 2011
Response time
28 days
Commissioner for Children and Young People
(a) Any requests for translating and interpreting publications are considered on a case by case basis.
(b-d) Not applicable
Corruption and Crime Commission
(a) The CCC updated Standing Operating Procedure 2013 (SOP), which outlines the requirements for the conduct of interviews by CCC officers, on 16 May 2008. The updated SOP incorporates requirements for the use of interpreters and translators when dealing with people with special needs, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Indigenous people.
(b-d) [see tabled paper no].
Department of the Attorney General
(a) The Department of the Attorney General's (DotAG) Language Services Policy was implemented across the agency in 2009. The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) developed and implemented a separate Language Services Policy in April 2011 to comply with the
Marriage Act 1961
.
(b) Funding provided to the Department of the Attorney General since 1 January 2008 to 31 October 2011 is $1 541 873, while expenditure incurred totalled $2 443 373. Most payments are made to a company called 'On Call Interpreters and Translators Agency'. Other interpreters and translators are employed on an as-need-basis depending on the location, language and particular circumstances.
(c) [see tabled paper no].
(d)
DoTAG
Must be used:
If customers are unable to adequately/effectively communicate through spoken or written English or wish to communicate in their preferred language where they:
-need to be informed of their legal rights and obligations;
-need to give informed consent;
-are required to enter into a legally binding contract or agreement with the State and are not required to engage their own interpreter or translator;
-require essential information to fully participate in decisions and proceedings relating to their rights, health and safety; or
-require essential information to protect their rights, health and safety.
Should be used:
If customers are unable to adequately/effectively communicate through spoken or written English or wish to communicate in their preferred language where they:
-are arranging an appointment to discuss a matter, at which an interpreter
must
be used; or
-require assistance with departmental goods or services.
May be used:
Where the person with whom the customer is dealing with considers that it is desirable to do so.
RBDM
Must be used:
When clients are unable to communicate adequately/effectively through written or spoken English, or wish to communicate in their preferred language.
Should be used:
-are arranging an appointment at which an interpreter must be used; or
-require assistance with departmental goods or services.
May be used:
Where the person by whom or in whose presence a marriage is solemnised considers that it is desirable to do so.
Department of Treasury
(a) Language Services Policy - December 2010.
(b) Nil
(c) [see tabled paper no].
(d) In situations, where:
-English is not the first language of a member of the public, so that the person is unable to effectively communicate in written or spoken language with Treasury as required; and
-A request is received to translate a Treasury publication.
Economic Regulation Authority
(a) None
(b) Nil
(c-d) Not applicable
Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia
(a) The Equal Opportunity Commission has an established agency level policy on working with interpreters. The policy sets out the arrangements for engaging an interpreter related to the Commission's complaint handling role and operates alongside
The Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008
. The agency level policy was implemented in 2008 and is currently under review.
(b) Since 2008, $4445.44 has been expended to provide interpreting and translation services.
(c) [see tabled paper no].
(d) The policy is directed at the 'first point of contact' where initial enquiries are received from callers seeking information about the Act, and when an enquirer needs assistance to make a complaint under the Act. Provision is also made for complainants to lodge complaints under the Act in their preferred language which will then be translated by the Commission at no cost. The policy includes a monitoring measure to report on situations where an interpreter has been used for an enquiry, the language needed and the duration of the enquiry.
Government Employees Superannuation Board
(a) GESB's Translator and Interpreter service was introduced in October 2008.
(b) Since 2008, the expenditure incurred on translation and interpreting services amounted to $575.92 and was paid to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
(c) [see tabled paper no].
(d) GESB procures these services on an as needs basis from freelance suppliers.
Insurance Commission of Western Australia
(a) No formal policies have been developed to date, however, translation and interpreting services are promoted and offered to all customers as required.
(b) $12 147.76 has been paid to Telephone Interpreter Services Australia since 2008.
(c) Not applicable
(d) As required by claimants and/or their representatives. The Insurance Commission's "
A Guide for People Injured in a Motor Vehicle Crash"
publication does provide introductory information printed in eight alternative languages to assist potential claimants. In addition, the Home Page of its website provides a "Select Language" drop-down button option which will translate the whole website content into 52 alternative languages.
Law Reform Commission of Western Australia
(a) The Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008 produced by the Office of Multicultural Interests is followed.
(b) None
(c) The Law Reform Commission has not produced its own policies, but rather follows the Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008.
(d) To date the policy has not been required.
Legal Aid Commission of Western Australia
(a) Legal Aid WA has a policy that all clients seeking assistance for their legal matter have access to an interpreting service. Services include clients seeking telephone information, clients who present at the front counter, clients attending appointments and clients in receipt of grants of aid. At all times this is paid for by Legal Aid. Guideline 5.1.4 of the draft Legal Assistance (Non Case) Guidelines state "[u]nless there are exceptional circumstances and the approval of the Supervising Solicitor/Manager is obtained, no interview, whether in-person or by telephone, should be conducted with people requiring an interpreter, without a qualified interpreter in attendance or assisting through a telephone interpreter service".
(b) Legal Aid WA ordinarily uses the services of ONCALL Language Interpreting Services. Since 4 January 2008, Legal Aid has paid $160 271.82 to ONCALL using funds from both Commonwealth and State funding.
(c) Legal Aid policy regarding the use of interpreters is across the agency. All brochures and pamphlets contain information on the availability of interpreting services as does the Legal Aid WA website and all applications for grants of legal aid. In addition, agency staff manuals state the procedures for the use of interpreters and Legal Advice sheets and Duty Lawyer instruction sheets include a section on the client's need for an interpreter.
(d) Situations calling for the use of interpreters include non-English speaking clients seeking assistance at the front counter, attending booked interviews, calling the Information Line or giving instructions to a solicitor pursuant to a grant of aid.
Legal Practice Board of Western Australia
In regard to the Legal Practice Board (not a government agency and not funded by the Department):
(a-b) Nil
(c-d) Not applicable
Legal Profession Complaints Committee
(a) A general interpreters and translators policy has been in place since July 1998.
(b) Since 2008 the LPCC has paid for interpreter and translator services as follows:
- Translating and Interpreting Service - $1 396.60
- Steeger Consulting - $660.00
- WA Interpreters Pty Ltd - $88.00
(c) The LPCC policy available to all staff is - "On occasion a complainant may need an interpreter or translator. Secretaries can arrange at the request of the Legal Officer for an interpreter or translator to attend either onsite in our office or via telephone. The company we use is [name of company, code, phone number]. There are blank forms to be completed for on-site interpretation and faxed to [phone number]."
(d) The written policy does not identify any specific situations but is based on a legal officer's assessment that an interpreter or translator is required.
Office of Native Title
(a) From 1 July 2009 to 31 March 2011, the Department of the Attorney General Language Services Policy.
(b) Nil
(c) Not applicable
(d) Refer to clause 6 of the Department of the Attorney General Language Services Policy.
Office of the Auditor General
(a) None. As the Auditor General reports to Parliament on the performance of Government agencies we have limited involvement with the general public and no demand for interpretation and translating services. We do make use of these services where they are required for particular audits or reports such as the 2005 report on State Services for Humanitarian Entrants.
(b-d) Not applicable
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
(a) The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has not yet published a formal policy but does adhere to the policy objectives prescribed in the
Western Australian Language Services Policy
.
(b) The sum of $53 885 has been expended on translation and interpreter services since 1 July 2008. Payments have generally been made to the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship (Translating and Interpreting Service) and On-Call Interpreters.
(c) Not applicable
(d) Interpreters and translators are primarily engaged to facilitate the criminal justice process by assisting individual victims of crime and State witnesses to effectively make statements or give evidence in a criminal court where, due to language barriers, they would otherwise have difficulty or be precluded from doing so.
Office of the Information Commissioner
(a) The OIC does not have its own Language Service Policy but does refer to the 2008 policy issued by the Office of Multicultural Interests.
(b) OIC paid $357 in 2008 to the Translating and Interpreting Service.
(c) Not applicable
(d) Under the FOI Act, the two functions of the Information Commissioner are to provide an external review facility on decisions made by agencies under the FOI Act, and to provide advice and assistance to agencies and members of the public in understanding their rights and obligations under the FOI Act. Due to this legislative requirement the OIC utilises interpreters whenever it is required to communicate effectively with members of the public.
Western Australian Treasury Corporation
Western Australian Treasury Corporation does not provide any Government funded services to the public and therefore does not have a requirement for funding or delivering translating and interpreting services.
(a-d) Not applicable
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(a) Any requests for translating and interpreting publications are considered on a case by case basis.
(b-d) Not applicable
Corruption and Crime Commission
(a) The CCC updated Standing Operating Procedure 2013 (SOP), which outlines the requirements for the conduct of interviews by CCC officers, on 16 May 2008. The updated SOP incorporates requirements for the use of interpreters and translators when dealing with people with special needs, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Indigenous people.
(b-d) [see tabled paper no].
Department of the Attorney General
(a) The Department of the Attorney General's (DotAG) Language Services Policy was implemented across the agency in 2009. The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) developed and implemented a separate Language Services Policy in April 2011 to comply with the
Marriage Act 1961
.
(b) Funding provided to the Department of the Attorney General since 1 January 2008 to 31 October 2011 is $1 541 873, while expenditure incurred totalled $2 443 373. Most payments are made to a company called 'On Call Interpreters and Translators Agency'. Other interpreters and translators are employed on an as-need-basis depending on the location, language and particular circumstances.
(c) [see tabled paper no].
(d)
DoTAG
Must be used:
If customers are unable to adequately/effectively communicate through spoken or written English or wish to communicate in their preferred language where they:
-need to be informed of their legal rights and obligations;
-need to give informed consent;
-are required to enter into a legally binding contract or agreement with the State and are not required to engage their own interpreter or translator;
-require essential information to fully participate in decisions and proceedings relating to their rights, health and safety; or
-require essential information to protect their rights, health and safety.
Should be used:
If customers are unable to adequately/effectively communicate through spoken or written English or wish to communicate in their preferred language where they:
-are arranging an appointment to discuss a matter, at which an interpreter
must
be used; or
-require assistance with departmental goods or services.
May be used:
Where the person with whom the customer is dealing with considers that it is desirable to do so.
RBDM
Must be used:
When clients are unable to communicate adequately/effectively through written or spoken English, or wish to communicate in their preferred language.
Should be used:
-are arranging an appointment at which an interpreter must be used; or
-require assistance with departmental goods or services.
May be used:
Where the person by whom or in whose presence a marriage is solemnised considers that it is desirable to do so.
Department of Treasury
(a) Language Services Policy - December 2010.
(b) Nil
(c) [see tabled paper no].
(d) In situations, where:
-English is not the first language of a member of the public, so that the person is unable to effectively communicate in written or spoken language with Treasury as required; and
-A request is received to translate a Treasury publication.
Economic Regulation Authority
(a) None
(b) Nil
(c-d) Not applicable
Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia
(a) The Equal Opportunity Commission has an established agency level policy on working with interpreters. The policy sets out the arrangements for engaging an interpreter related to the Commission's complaint handling role and operates alongside
The Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008
. The agency level policy was implemented in 2008 and is currently under review.
(b) Since 2008, $4445.44 has been expended to provide interpreting and translation services.
(c) [see tabled paper no].
(d) The policy is directed at the 'first point of contact' where initial enquiries are received from callers seeking information about the Act, and when an enquirer needs assistance to make a complaint under the Act. Provision is also made for complainants to lodge complaints under the Act in their preferred language which will then be translated by the Commission at no cost. The policy includes a monitoring measure to report on situations where an interpreter has been used for an enquiry, the language needed and the duration of the enquiry.
Government Employees Superannuation Board
(a) GESB's Translator and Interpreter service was introduced in October 2008.
(b) Since 2008, the expenditure incurred on translation and interpreting services amounted to $575.92 and was paid to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
(c) [see tabled paper no].
(d) GESB procures these services on an as needs basis from freelance suppliers.
Insurance Commission of Western Australia
(a) No formal policies have been developed to date, however, translation and interpreting services are promoted and offered to all customers as required.
(b) $12 147.76 has been paid to Telephone Interpreter Services Australia since 2008.
(c) Not applicable
(d) As required by claimants and/or their representatives. The Insurance Commission's "
A Guide for People Injured in a Motor Vehicle Crash"
publication does provide introductory information printed in eight alternative languages to assist potential claimants. In addition, the Home Page of its website provides a "Select Language" drop-down button option which will translate the whole website content into 52 alternative languages.
Law Reform Commission of Western Australia
(a) The Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008 produced by the Office of Multicultural Interests is followed.
(b) None
(c) The Law Reform Commission has not produced its own policies, but rather follows the Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008.
(d) To date the policy has not been required.
Legal Aid Commission of Western Australia
(a) Legal Aid WA has a policy that all clients seeking assistance for their legal matter have access to an interpreting service. Services include clients seeking telephone information, clients who present at the front counter, clients attending appointments and clients in receipt of grants of aid. At all times this is paid for by Legal Aid. Guideline 5.1.4 of the draft Legal Assistance (Non Case) Guidelines state "[u]nless there are exceptional circumstances and the approval of the Supervising Solicitor/Manager is obtained, no interview, whether in-person or by telephone, should be conducted with people requiring an interpreter, without a qualified interpreter in attendance or assisting through a telephone interpreter service".
(b) Legal Aid WA ordinarily uses the services of ONCALL Language Interpreting Services. Since 4 January 2008, Legal Aid has paid $160 271.82 to ONCALL using funds from both Commonwealth and State funding.
(c) Legal Aid policy regarding the use of interpreters is across the agency. All brochures and pamphlets contain information on the availability of interpreting services as does the Legal Aid WA website and all applications for grants of legal aid. In addition, agency staff manuals state the procedures for the use of interpreters and Legal Advice sheets and Duty Lawyer instruction sheets include a section on the client's need for an interpreter.
(d) Situations calling for the use of interpreters include non-English speaking clients seeking assistance at the front counter, attending booked interviews, calling the Information Line or giving instructions to a solicitor pursuant to a grant of aid.
Legal Practice Board of Western Australia
In regard to the Legal Practice Board (not a government agency and not funded by the Department):
(a-b) Nil
(c-d) Not applicable
Legal Profession Complaints Committee
(a) A general interpreters and translators policy has been in place since July 1998.
(b) Since 2008 the LPCC has paid for interpreter and translator services as follows:
- Translating and Interpreting Service - $1 396.60
- Steeger Consulting - $660.00
- WA Interpreters Pty Ltd - $88.00
(c) The LPCC policy available to all staff is - "On occasion a complainant may need an interpreter or translator. Secretaries can arrange at the request of the Legal Officer for an interpreter or translator to attend either onsite in our office or via telephone. The company we use is [name of company, code, phone number]. There are blank forms to be completed for on-site interpretation and faxed to [phone number]."
(d) The written policy does not identify any specific situations but is based on a legal officer's assessment that an interpreter or translator is required.
Office of Native Title
(a) From 1 July 2009 to 31 March 2011, the Department of the Attorney General Language Services Policy.
(b) Nil
(c) Not applicable
(d) Refer to clause 6 of the Department of the Attorney General Language Services Policy.
Office of the Auditor General
(a) None. As the Auditor General reports to Parliament on the performance of Government agencies we have limited involvement with the general public and no demand for interpretation and translating services. We do make use of these services where they are required for particular audits or reports such as the 2005 report on State Services for Humanitarian Entrants.
(b-d) Not applicable
Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
(a) The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has not yet published a formal policy but does adhere to the policy objectives prescribed in the
Western Australian Language Services Policy
.
(b) The sum of $53 885 has been expended on translation and interpreter services since 1 July 2008. Payments have generally been made to the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship (Translating and Interpreting Service) and On-Call Interpreters.
(c) Not applicable
(d) Interpreters and translators are primarily engaged to facilitate the criminal justice process by assisting individual victims of crime and State witnesses to effectively make statements or give evidence in a criminal court where, due to language barriers, they would otherwise have difficulty or be precluded from doing so.
Office of the Information Commissioner
(a) The OIC does not have its own Language Service Policy but does refer to the 2008 policy issued by the Office of Multicultural Interests.
(b) OIC paid $357 in 2008 to the Translating and Interpreting Service.
(c) Not applicable
(d) Under the FOI Act, the two functions of the Information Commissioner are to provide an external review facility on decisions made by agencies under the FOI Act, and to provide advice and assistance to agencies and members of the public in understanding their rights and obligations under the FOI Act. Due to this legislative requirement the OIC utilises interpreters whenever it is required to communicate effectively with members of the public.
Western Australian Treasury Corporation
Western Australian Treasury Corporation does not provide any Government funded services to the public and therefore does not have a requirement for funding or delivering translating and interpreting services.
(a-d) Not applicable
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
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