AIS bridges language gaps in federal election
As voters across the Territory headed to the polls for this years’ federal election, language speakers were able to receive support from the Aboriginal Interpreter Service (AIS), who was onsite to provide translations, after the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) engaged the service to ensure access to important information.
Symone Pascoe, an Eastside Kriol interpreter from Katherine, supported the events in her region. Beyond translating words, she helped Kriol speakers navigate the election process, ensuring they felt confident and informed.
The AEC staff welcomed Symone warmly, providing her with a dedicated space and expressing their appreciation for the value she brought to the process and how much they enjoyed working together.
Staff provided feedback from each of her shifts, commenting, ‘Symone was a welcome addition to our staff, her knowledge and expertise helped empower the community - she was a great support to the team and very pleasant to work with.’
The AIS continues to play an important role in supporting Aboriginal communities to access essential information, helping language speakers engage confidently in elections and other key civic processes.
Speaking an Aboriginal language gives you the chance to become an interpreter and support your community. If you think this could be a role for you, go to the NT Government website on 'how to apply to become an Aboriginal Interpreter.
