On International Translation Day, 30 September, the PSA recognises the important work of our members at Multicultural NSW.
NSW is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse places in the world. That diversity is one of our State’s great strengths, but it also means our public services must be able to communicate with everyone who needs them.
That is where the language skills and cultural knowledge of the group of skilled professionals at Multicultural NSW make such a difference.
Every day, interpreters, translators and other language services staff help people communicate with government and access the services they need. Their work supports NSW Police, Service NSW, Courts and Tribunals and reaches into health, education, legal services and many other parts of the public sector.
Sometimes that work happens at an extremely important moment in somebody’s life. It might involve a police investigation, a court proceeding, a medical appointment or simply helping someone understand important information from their government.
These services do more than translate words. They help make sure that where you were born or what language you speak does not become a barrier to participating fully in life in NSW.
That contributes enormously to making NSW the successful multicultural society and great place to live that it is.
The PSA is proud to represent members who do this work.
We also know that sometimes our members face uncertainty. Services change, technology changes and governments restructure agencies and review the way work is delivered.
That makes a strong union as important as ever.
PSA members stand together to protect their conditions, defend secure employment and make sure workers have a genuine voice when decisions are made about their jobs and their workplaces.
We will continue to fight to ensure that valuable public services are backed by a skilled, experienced and secure public sector workforce.
On International Translation Day, I thank our members at Multicultural NSW for the professionalism, skill and commitment they bring to their work.
You make NSW a more inclusive place for everyone.
Your PSA Industrial Staff