Auslan, Interpreting and Translating Qualification Review (Phase 1)
Project Timeline
February 2025 – December 2025
Project Overview
The Auslan, Interpreting and Translating Qualification Review Project has been initiated in response to the Disability Royal Commission 2023 recommendation 6.2:
Increase the number of Auslan Interpreters and support the Deaf Census Report – Understanding Auslan.
Specifically, this project will explore:
- The utilisation of the Auslan training qualification, including factors that influence its adoption, accessibility, and relevance in the industry.
- The ability of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) to effectively deliver Auslan interpreter training, addressing challenges related to course content, delivery methods, and training capacity.
- The transition from training qualification to employment as an Auslan Interpreter, exploring the barriers to employment and identifying pathways to successful career entry in the interpreting field.
The project will be delivered in two phases:
Phase 1
This phase will be focussed on the development of a Findings and Recommendations Report to assess the uptake, use and challenges concerning the Auslan, Interpreting and Translating qualifications. It will identify key areas for improvement, and assess how the training can be better leveraged to increase overall use and effectiveness.
Comprehensive insights and feedback, data will be collected through:
- Desktop Environmental Scan
- Facilitated workshops across Australia with key stakeholders
Phase 2
This phase will be aimed at the Review, Update, Promotion, and/or Implementation of the Auslan, Interpreting and Translating qualifications (hereafter referred to as Auslan qualification). It will focus on refining the relevant qualifications and promoting their broader use, delivery and implementation.
The outcomes of this phase are expected to enhance the accessibility and quality of Auslan training, ensuring it meets the needs of both the interpreting community and the Deaf community.
Qualifications in Review
Qualifications in review:
• PSP20218 – Certificate II in Auslan
• PSP30218 – Certificate III in Auslan
• PSP40818 – Certificate IV in Auslan
• PSP51018 – Diploma of Auslan
• PSP50922 – Diploma of Interpreting
• PSP50822 – Diploma of Translating
• PSP60922 – Advanced Diploma of Interpreting
• PSP60822 – Advanced Diploma of Translating
Project Updates
Oct 2025 - Dec 2025Phase 1 of this project is complete
The project team have finalised the Auslan, Interpreting and Translating Qualification Review report.
This recommendation report will inform Phase 2 of this project. You can view details of Phase 2 by clicking here.
Desktop Environmental Scan
Feb 2025 - Mar 2025This research stage explored the use of the Auslan qualifications, challenges for training providers and structure of delivery.
It also identified stakeholders, gaps in the number of Certified Interpreters and existing pathways to certification.
Consultation
Apr 2025 - Sept 2025Comprehensive insights, feedback, data were collected through a series of facilitated workshops across Australia.
These workshops involved key stakeholders, including:
- peak industry bodies
- advocacy groups
- service providers
- Deaf community members
- training providers
These workshops collaboratively developed content, and sought specialist input and guidance regarding relevant cultural considerations.
Finalisation
Sept 2025 - Oct 2025Insights from consultative workshops have been developed into a set of findings and recommendations.
The proposed recommendations have been developed to address key challenges raised by stakeholders through updates practical to the Training Package. In collaboration with a Technical Committee, these recommendations will provide scope and direction for Phase 2 of the project.
The following video provides a summary of the recommendations and findings, however, for further information, please refer to Public Skills Australia Validation of Findings and Recommendations.
Project Timeline