Introduction
The Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) is the national association for the translating and interpreting profession. It was founded in 1987, bringing together existing local associations and specialist groups and now has branches in each State and Territory.
AUSIT is a fully independent association, incorporated in the ACT, with an Australia-wide membership that continues to grow steadily. Members of AUSIT are mainly practising translators and interpreters, but those interested in the support and development of the profession are encouraged to join as well.
With its aim of promoting the highest standards in the profession, AUSIT serves as a meeting place for all those who understand the importance of translation and interpreting to the economy and society, particularly with a globalised economy and the growth of worldwide communications.
AUSIT is a primary source of information on these services to government, industry, the media and the general public.
The AUSIT Code of Ethics is recognised as setting standards for the profession.
The Code has been endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) and other organisations, including the following:
Commonwealth Government Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)
Attorney General’s Department
Refugee Review Tribunal
NSW Law Society
Centrelink
NSW Health Care Interpreter Service
Associated Translators & Linguists
Institute of Modern Languages at The University of Queensland
As language consultants and interpreter trainers, AUSIT members made a significant contribution to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
AUSIT is a member of the International Federation of Translators (FIT), where it represents the interests of members and takes part in the development of international policies likely to affect the future of the profession, and in initiatives to promote and support translation associations throughout the world (including countries where translators are oppressed or even persecuted for their work). In 1996 hosted FIT’s 14th triennial World Congress at the World Congress Centre in Melbourne.
AUSIT Objectives in Summary
To represent the interests of the profession at all times and in all Australian and international contexts.
To uphold the highest professional ethics.
To promote the importance of the translating and interpreting profession to governments and the corporate world.
To promote and organise professional development activities (including workshops, conferences, courses and seminars).
To provide a forum for the study and advancement of translating and interpreting knowledge, practices and procedures.
To create better public understanding of the translating and interpreting profession, thereby reinforcing public confidence in it.
Membership
AUSIT has an Australia-wide membership in excess of 750 interpreters and translators. Different levels of membership are on offer to suit translators and interpreters with varying amounts of experience, from newcomers to the industry to experienced professionals.
Members are required to abide by the AUSIT Code of Ethics, which is widely accepted as the industry standard. They are required to continuously develop their professional skills, expected to subscribe to AUSIT's aims and are encouraged to take an active part in its life and events. Membership is also open to educational, commercial and government bodies as well as translation agencies.
Organisational Structure
The National Council consists of the National Executive members plus a delegate from each Branch.
Executive members in 2007/08: Sarina Phan (President), Patricia Avila (Secretary), John Crone (Treasurer), Annamaria Arnall (Vice President), Moreno Giovannoni (Past President).
The day to day administrative work is performed by AUSIT's two regional administrators. The northern region covers NSW, the ACT and Queensland, whilst the southern region covers Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The administrators handle AUSIT membership matters and provide an information service for members and the general public, including a referral service for translation and interpreting work.
Education and training, marketing, and public relations are the responsibility of committees. AUSIT Professional Conduct Committees maintain standards and resolve professional difficulties.
A National Conference on interpreting and translation is held biennially in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting. On this occasion, the annual Jill Blewitt Lecture about a pertinent subject affecting translation and interpreting is delivered.
The Directory
Qualified, active members are listed in the AUSIT Directory which is available online at this website (only members with NAATI accreditation are included). As most of AUSIT's members work freelance, the Directory is one way of presenting their skills to potential clients.
AUSIT Publications
AUSIT publishes a quarterly newsletter and its Code of Ethics, both of which are distributed free to members. Policy and research papers and educational videos are also produced from time to time.
The AUSIT Website
The AUSIT website carries Australia's most up-to-date and comprehensive on-line directory of practitioners, information for consumers and a members' section with regularly updated information.
AUSIT Services in Summary
The Institute offers a number of services to members and non-members:
a referral service
information on training
continuing professional development
a voice in the world for translators and interpreters
professional status to members
networking opportunities
an information service to the public
a quarterly newsletter
professional indemnity insurance at group (reduced) rates for members
access to price reduction through group buying
Yellow Pages entry under the AUSIT banner for members
e-mail network for instant and ongoing exchange of information and ideas
