ABC trials local Indigenous language news bulletins

Minister for Indigenous Affairs – Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion

Northern Territory Minister for Community Services, The Hon. Bess Price

For the first time, mainstream news bulletins are being translated and broadcast in Indigenous languages in the Northern Territory on a daily basis.

The Australian Government has provided $160,000 to the Aboriginal Interpreter Service to fund the trial, which is being conducted by the ABC.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Nigel Scullion, said this new service would improve access to news for Aboriginal speakers and celebrate the importance of language and culture in Indigenous communities.

“The Australian and NT governments have jointly provided funding for many years to develop the Aboriginal Interpreter Service,” Minister Scullion said.

“This trial will also raise awareness of the Interpreter Service and the important role it plays ensuring Aboriginal people can access government and other services.

“The service, initially proposed by the ABC, aims to improve access to news for Aboriginal speakers and celebrate the importance of language and culture in our community.

“Australian Government agencies such as the Department of Human Services already make extensive use of Aboriginal interpreters.

“It is testament to the high quality of the interpreters that this sort of service can be provided for the ABC.

“I hope this trial will prove to be a success and that it encourages others to use interpreters when needed.”

Northern Territory Minister for Community Services, and former interpreter, Bess Price said the broadcasting of news in language will enable many Indigenous Territorians to access mainstream current media on a national and international scale.

“The languages selected for the bulletins are Yolngu Matha (Djambarrpuyngu) for the Top End and Warlpiri for the Central Australian region,” Mrs Price said.

“These languages were selected based on the number of speakers of both languages and the large geographical areas covered in East Arnhem and Central Australia.

“The Aboriginal Interpreter Service and the ABC have provided training in radio broadcasting for a team of three interpreters in each language, with bulletins to be recorded twice a day.

“These interpreters will be rotated as required to meet the demands of this new project.

“Training opportunities will be provided for other interpreters to improve skills and gain experience in the workplace and it is planned many interpreters will participate in the broadcasts during the 12-month trial.

“The ABC’s Indigenous Language News Service will be available on ABC News online and mobile services over a 12-month trial period.

“Broadcasts will be available to download and rebroadcast by Indigenous radio stations.”

Audiences can access the Indigenous Language Radio News Service through the ABC News Online website: abc.net.au/news/indigenous.