National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)
NAATI is the national standards and certifying authority for translators and interpreters in Australia. Our vision is for a connected community without language barriers.
NAATI is responsible for setting, maintaining and promoting high standards for the translating and interpreting profession, which we do through the Certification System. NAATI is the only organisation in Australia to issue professional credentials (or certification) to translators and interpreters.
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.
For people who speak little or no English, language barriers can make healthcare 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.
We all deserve to be understood. Ask for a NAATI-certified interpreter
NAATI’s first national consumer awareness campaign, “We all deserve to be understood,” is being delivered in 2026 in collaboration with SBS In Language and CulturalPulse. It promotes working with NAATI-certified interpreters in healthcare settings. It encourages patients across 18 languages to request an interpreter and supports healthcare services to understand the importance of certified interpreters.
You may spot TV and radio ads, billboards, social media posts and engagement through your communities as part of the campaign. If it resonates with you, we encourage you to share widely with the people around you.
Community resources are available in 18 languages on the NAATI website from March.
NAATI is the sponsor of the Interpreters and Translators Medal.
