Language services policy and accompanying guidelines

Victoria is one of the most culturally diverse and fastest growing populations in Australia, with over 30 per cent of the population born overseas. People living in Victoria speak over 290 languages and dialects, with over 27 per cent of the population speaking a language other than English at home.

The department plays an important role in supporting the health of linguistically diverse people, including migrants, refugees, people seeking asylum and people who use a form of sign language.

The department’s Language services policy and accompanying guidelines, How to work with interpreters and translators: a guide to effectively using language services, support the department and its funded services to identify when language services should be offered to consumers and carers based on legislative requirements and good practice service delivery.

Department-funded organisations and services are encouraged to develop local language services policies and procedures consistent with this policy and guidelines.

The Victorian Government has recently updated the language services policy and accompanying guidelines for the Department of Health, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and funded services of both departments.