There must be a number of criminal charges which should be dismissed because the accused does not understand the nature of the proceedings, the Anglo-Australian legal system or any charge preferred under that system. The Final Report of the Aboriginal Issues Unit also highlights the need for Aboriginal interpreters. Clearly interpreter services for Aboriginal people in Western Australia are inadequate. The need for interpreters impinges on many areas. The provision and receipt of medical treatment, participation in the criminal justice process and access to government resources are some of the areas affected.
Injustice flows from the non availability of interpreters.
This injustice needs to be acknowledged. Such initiatives are to be applauded and duplicated by other service organisations. However a serious commitment to overcoming the injustices requires a commitment to a comprehensive review of the need for Aboriginal interpreters services in this state. Issues of professional training of interpreters, proposals for the employment of interpreters and the delivery of effective interpreter services should be addressed in the review. Clearly the project should be conducted by Aboriginal people and involve substantial consultation with the Aboriginal community.