Following the August PSA Multicultural NSW (MNSW) Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting, your union met with MNSW Language Services to address specific issues for Translators and Interpreters. A summary of the meeting is provided below.

Senior Practitioner Pilot Program update

MNSW provided an update on the program, stating the point of the project was to observe the delivery of interpreting services in courts. A key issue which has emerged from the project is the need to ensure the coordination and management of communication between court users and the Interpreter.

In the next phase, MNSW will deploy two staff members in full-time roles over six months across various locations. This phase will be in relation to the high demand languages: Arabic and Mandarin. This is to assist MNSW to develop a position description and better inform MNSW as to how an interpreting work force should operate in practice.

MNSW also stated the project allowed for increased visibility of MNSW interpreters. The PSA asked what the response from court staff was to the pilot program. MNSW advised that most of it was positive, including from a senior Court Registrar.

Communication with panel members

MNSW reported that for this year’s offer of casual employment, 900 offers had been accepted by candidates. Further, 800 candidates had the relevant qualifications, a Working With Children Check and had completed the mandatory training.

Mandatory training completions

More than 600 emails from participants were received by MNSW. This was mainly around disabling pop ups and accessing the training. In response to this, a cheat sheet was produced by MNSW and training sessions were offered.

National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters tests cancellation fees

The issue of cancellation fees was raised by MNSW. MNSW noted the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters has contacted MNSW regarding cancelations for courses MNSW have paid for.

Work Health and Safety

The PSA raised concerns in February 2024 regarding the availability of water in court, hand sanitisers, the cleanliness of amenities and hearing loops. Since February, these matters were raised by MNSW with NSW Courts on behalf of members.  Regarding dirty bathrooms, NSW Courts advised MNSW that the issue should be reported straight away to the Court Registrar. Regarding water bubblers, bubblers will no longer be provided due to cost, although vending machines are available. Otherwise, members can bring their own water bottles and refill them at the court. Regarding hand sanitisers, as they are no longer mandatory, so will be at some but not all courts. Hearing loops should have been cleaned at the end of every session for the new user. If not cleaned, members should speak to the Registrar.

Further, while there are public access rooms that provide lunch facilities at Burwood and Liverpool Local Courts, members do not have similar facilities at other locations. MNSW will request the same services be provided for members at other courts.

MNSW advised that generally, where there is an issue for an Interpreter, where possible it is best to contact the Registrar directly, rather than MNSW.

HSR survey

MNSW advised that three Health and Safety Representatives have put together a survey regarding Work Health and Safety support Interpreters might require.

Additional work for Language Services

MNSW reported there was a new agreement to provide services to iCare. This agreement has been signed. Under the agreement MNSW members are to deliver injury management interpreting services for 1700 calls per year and the translation of medical documents.

MOU re-negotiation and meetings with new potential customers

MNSW reported it was in the process of renegotiating work with NSW Police and NSW Courts. MNSW are also looking at getting work from Housing NSW and the NSW Department of Education. MNSW stated that with the change in Government, the NSW Government is supporting MNSW as language services provider of choice.

The PSA asked about Federal Courts providing work to MNSW. MNSW advised that Federal Courts want to have only one provider across Australia. Nonetheless MNSW have approached the Federal Court Jurisdiction with a view to put in a tender down the track.

Regional/country assignments and travel issues

The PSA stated members may be reluctant to take on a regional assignment due to the necessary travel involved. The PSA suggested a new approach which considers the residence of the Translator.

MNSW acknowledged this was a problem and will be part of considerations for a new system.