Victorians can become AUSLAN qualified for free

Victorians can study to become a qualified AUSLAN interpreter for free from next year.

Victorian residents, like those in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges, will have the opportunity to become Auslan interpreters through new courses added to the free TAFE list.

The state government committed more than $4 million in funding in the latest budget to make the Diploma of Auslan and the Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan stream) available for free from next year.

The diploma course will be delivered by Melbourne Polytechnic and provides a foundation to students to become an Auslan interpreter, while the advanced diploma will be delivered by RMIT and is the recognised qualification to become a certified Auslan interpreter.

Training and skills minister Gayle Tierney said the free courses would make Victoria a more inclusive and diverse place.

“Free TAFE is a game-changer for Victoria, it helps make world-class training more accessible to more jobseekers, provides skilled workers for local business and boosts our economy.”