ABOUT AUSIT
 
AUSIT—the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators Inc.— is the national professional association for translators and interpreters.

AUSIT Objectives

• represent the interests of the profession at all times in both Australian and international contexts,
    
• ensure that interpreters and translators uphold the highest professional and ethical standards,
   
• promote the translating and interpreting profession to governments and the corporate sector,
   
• promote and organise professional development activities - including workshops, conferences, courses and seminars,
  
  
• provide a forum for the study and advancement of translating and interpreting knowledge, practices and procedures,
  
  
• improve public understanding of the translating and interpreting profession,
  
  
• work to ensure that non-English speaking persons have access to the services of a properly qualified and accredited interpreter or translator in their dealings with authorities.

AUSIT was founded in 1987, bringing together existing local associations and specialist groups. It is a fully independent association, incorporated in the ACT, with branches in each State and Territory. 

AUSIT is dedicated to promoting the highest professional and ethical standards in the translating and interpreting. The AUSIT Code of Ethics is recognised as setting the industry standard.

Most members are practising translators and interpreters, but AUSIT serves as a meeting place for all who understand the importance of translation and interpreting to the economy and society. Any person or organisation interested in supporting and developing the profession is welcome and encouraged to join.

AUSIT also serves as a primary source of information on translation and interpreting services for government, industry, the media, and the general public.

AUSIT is a member of FIT—the International Federation of Translators, which maintains formal consultative relations with UNESCO. FIT promotes professionalism and takes part in developing international policies regarding the future of the profession, and initiatives promoting and supporting translation associations throughout the world. This includes those in countries where translators are oppressed, even persecuted, because of their work. AUSIT hosted the 14th triennial FIT World Congress at the World Congress Centre in Melbourne in 1996 at which the AUSIT Code of Ethics was formally launched.

AUSIT contributes to advancement in the field of community interpreting in the social, legal and health care sectors. In April 2007 Sydney hosted the Critical Link 5 conference which attracted 489 delegates from 28 countries - the largest number of delegates since the inception of the Critical Link congress series in 1995.

AUSIT maintains close bilateral links with several sister organisations locally and world-wide, in particular with NZSTI – the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters – and Universitas in Austria.

ITI–the UK Institute of Translation and Interpreting–has asked permission to use AUSIT's PD points system as a model for their own.

In Australia, AUSIT and two sister organisations, the Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association, or ASLIA – and the Western Australian Institute of Interpreter and Translators, WAITI, the oldest professional body in Australia, constitute the recently formed Industry Reference Group: a consultative body on issues related to interpreting & translating.

Organisational Structure 

AUSIT is governed by the National Council, comprising a five-member  National Executive and a delegate from each State Branch. 

Executive members for 2010-11: Daniel Muller (President), Yutaka Kawasaki (Secretary), Diana Rodriguez-Losada (Treasurer), Annamaria Arnall (Vice-President), Sam Berner (Immediate Past President) .

AUSIT's day-to-day administrative work is performed by our secretariat PAMS, which handles handles membership matters and general enquiries from members and the public. This includes assistance finding and working with a suitable professional translator and/or interpreter.

Committees deal with education and training, marketing, and public relations. Members are welcome to attend committee meetings. A Board of Professional Conduct is convened when necessary to resolve disputes or concerns.

Members are always welcome to suggest activities, get involved in them, and to nominate themselves for committees. Just contact AUSIT.

AUSIT Services

AUSIT offers a wide range of services to its members, and to government, industry, and the general public, including:

• providing information and advice on translation and interpreting knowledge, practice and procedure. This includes how to find and work with a reliable professional
  
  
• continuing professional development - CPD
  
  
• Board of Professional Conduct
  
  
• establishing and upholding professional and ethical standards
  
  
• on-line directory of practising AUSIT members
  
  
• Yellow Pages AUSIT entry
  
  
• giving Australian translators and interpreters an international profile
  
  
• advancing the professional interests, standing, rights and recognition of members within and outside Australia
  
  
• promoting appropriate working conditions and OHWS
  
  
• networking opportunities
  
  
• e-mail bulletin, and special interest and language e-groups
  
  
• professional indemnity insurance at reduced rates
  
  
• access to discounts for members, e.g. for Wordfast CAT
  
  
• quarterly newsletter, AUSIT - In Touch 
  

What’s the difference between AUSIT & NAATI?

AUSIT and NAATI are two quite separate organisations, although both are involved in maintaining professional standards and furthering the interests of the translation and interpreting profession.

AUSIT—the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators Incorporated—is the national professional association for interpreters and translators.

NAATI—The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters—is a national standards body owned by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia. NAATI tests and accredits translators and interpreters in Australia and overseas. It also approves tertiary-level courses in translation and interpreting which fulfil stringent criteria.

AUSIT and NAATI work together to set, maintain and monitor standards in the translation and interpreting profession in Australia. AUSIT recognizes NAATI accreditation as the minimum basic qualification for practising as a professional translator or interpreter in Australia. NAATI endorses and promotes the AUSIT Code of Ethics for interpreters and translators. For more information on NAATI, see www.naati.com.au.