Good Practice Guide

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE
7. TRANSLATORS
Translators work across a wide
range of subjects and require a
sound conceptual understanding
of the material being translated.
They are qualified to translate
into one language only (eg. from
Arabic to English), or both
languages (eg. from Arabic to
English and English to Arabic),
depending upon their
accreditation. A translator's
work requires a reasonable level
of accuracy. They may attend to
any standard text material
including correspondence;
reports; and non-specialised
scientific, technical, legal, tourist
and commercial subjects.
Advanced translators (formerly known
as Level 4) represent an advanced
professional level, and are competent in
handling complex, technical and
sophisticated translations. Depending on
their qualifications, advanced translators
are accredited to translate either into one
language (eg. from Arabic to English)
only or into both languages (eg. from
Arabic to English and English to Arabic).
7.1 Translating documents
Staff need to ensure that the translation
of documents is in compliance with
Departmental requirements and processes.
Generally documents submitted for
translation take 7 -14 days to complete.
Urgent requests can be undertaken
within 24 hours for some languages.
To uphold the principle of natural
justice, staff are required to arrange
translation of documentation where it
appears that the person is not literate
in the English language, but is literate
in another language.
NOTE: All DoCS publications and materials require the approval of Director,
Media and Communication. Any documents not directly related to casework
need to be coordinated through Media and Communication. A range of issues
must be considered when developing materials for culturally and linguistically
diverse communities. To ensure the most effective use of resources, requests for
multicultural publications and other materials should be discussed with the
Media and Communication Branch and the Multicultural Services Unit.
23