We all deserveto be understood campaign

The issue

Clear communication is essential for safe, quality healthcare. It helps people understand their health, make informed decisions, and receive the right care at the right time.

Language barriers between a healthcare professional and a patient can make health services confusing or unsafe. Important information can be misunderstood or missed, making it harder to ask questions, follow medical advice, or feel confident about treatment decisions. This can lead to mistakes and unfair health outcomes.

Relying on family members or untrained bilingual staff to interpret can put people at risk. Information may not be accurate, private details may be shared, and sensitive conversations can become difficult or uncomfortable.

NAATI-certified interpreters help make healthcare safer and more inclusive. They support clear, accurate and confidential communication between patients and health professionals, so everyone can understand and be understood.

Certified interpreters for equitable healthcare

We all deserve to be understood is a national NAATI awareness campaign that promotes working with NAATI-certified interpreters in healthcare settings. It encourages patients to request an interpreter and supports healthcare services to understand the importance of certified interpreters.

The campaign highlights the role of NAATI-certified interpreters in supporting:

• Clinical safety and informed consent
• Patient dignity and autonomy
• Equity of access to healthcare services

Why work with a NAATI-certified interpreter?

NAATI certification is the community standard for working as an interpreter in Australia. Being certified by NAATI means an interpreter:

• has had their skills and qualifications assessed
• is fluent in English and their other language
• is bound by a code of ethics.

Engaging NAATI-certified interpreters supports safe, ethical and high-quality healthcare delivery, as it means you can trust them to do their job professionally.

Find a certified interpreter

When you need an interpreter to help you access a government or health service, you can request the service to organise one for you.

When you make the booking or appointment, you can say ‘I need an interpreter’ and tell them your language. You can also ask for a male or female interpreter if that makes you more comfortable.

Interpreters are usually free for patients accessing government or health services in Australia.

If you want to find a private interpreter to support a project or business meeting, you can find one through NAATI’s online directory. This will allow you to locate qualified professionals across languages, locations and service types, including businesses endorsed by NAATI that deliver language services.