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The Academy’s focus on digital innovation and collaboration underscores its pivotal role in supporting the state’s cultural and linguistic diversity
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As NSW continues to grow, this initiative will help ensure that all residents have equal access to the services they need
In a transformative step towards supporting New South Wales’ multicultural communities, the Minns Labor Government has allocated $7.5 million to establish the Multilingual NSW Academy. This initiative aims to enhance translation and interpretation services across the state, fulfilling a key commitment from the 2024-25 Budget.
The Multilingual NSW Academy will empower over 1,000 NSW Government translators and interpreters with advanced tools and training, focusing on specialist and digital competencies. This development aims to eliminate language barriers for non-English speakers, ensuring equal access to essential government services.
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A key component of the Academy’s mission is its focus on adopting new technology. Part of the $7.5 million investment will go towards integrating advanced digital tools, enabling more efficient delivery of translation and interpretation services
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This effort is aligned with the Department of Customer Service’s goal of promoting a customer-centric, digitally inclusive approach
With nearly one-third of NSW residents born overseas and over 280 languages spoken, the Academy addresses the critical need for skilled language professionals. It also highlights the government’s dedication to linguistic diversity, with Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper affirming that the investment will strengthen the state’s multicultural communities by equipping translators and interpreters to better serve the public.
To ensure the Academy remains a leader in translation and interpreting services, it will collaborate with institutions like the University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, Western Sydney University, and TAFE NSW. These partnerships will offer valuable research and training resources for language professionals.
Recently, three long-serving translators and interpreters from Multicultural NSW were honored for their 40 years of service. This recognition emphasizes the importance of their contributions to providing seamless access to services for non-English speakers in NSW.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide. He highlighted that with almost one in three people in NSW born overseas, the government must prioritize resources that ensure connection and accessibility for all residents.
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