Liam McNally
Melton council are considering introducing Auslan interpreters to all council-run events, a move which would mean they’re “leading the way for inclusivity among local governments”, one peak body representing the interests of Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing said.
At a council meeting on Monday, April 24, Melton mayor Lara Carli moved for council to investigate a report on the introduction of Auslan interpreter services to support various events including large festivals and civic events, council meetings, and community engagements both in person and online.
Cr Carli said she “really looks forward to the report”.
“I think that this is something really important that we as a council should be doing especially when we speak about being inclusive to our whole community,” she said.
Deafness Forum Australia chief executive Steve Williamson said it is “fantastic” to see local governments taking the initiative in creating new forms of access for people whose native language is Auslan.
“Having an Auslan interpreter at all council events is certainly not a common thing in Australia,” he said.
“Profoundly Deaf people who communicate in Auslan are a minority within a minority. Slightly more than 16,000 people use Auslan in the whole of the nation according to the Census, so they are easily overlooked and ignored by the community.
“Sign language is a critical prerequisite to the full realisation of human rights for Deaf people. Early access to sign language and services in sign language, including quality education available in sign language, is vital to the growth and development of the individual.”
Councillor Kathy Majdlik said she was “thrilled” by the motion because disability and inclusion “are close to my heart”.
“It’s a no-brainer, just another step forward to making our community more inclusive,” she said.
“I love being a trailblazer in local government… hopefully other councils will see what we’re doing to be more inclusive for our community and they’ll join.”
