We all deserve to be understood.
Ask for a NAATI-certified interpreter.
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.
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.
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
This campaign is designed for:
- Community members who speak limited or no English
- Adult influencers including family members and carers supporting patients
- Healthcare professionals and service providers across primary and community care settings
We all deserve to be understood is delivered across national and community-based channels, including:
- Out-of-home advertising
- Television and radio
- Digital and social platforms
- Community resources centrally housed on this website.
Campaign materials are supported by practical information to help patients and services understand how to access NAATI-certified interpreters and professional language services.
Campaign assets
TV commercial
‘We all deserve to be understood’ TVC with SBS In Language.
Social tiles
Resources
Why work with a NAATI-certified interpreter?
NAATI certification is the industry standard for working as an interpreter in Australia. Engaging NAATI-certified interpreters supports safe, ethical and high-quality healthcare delivery.
Professional interpreters:
- Support accurate clinical communication
- Enable informed consent and shared decision-making
- Protect patient confidentiality and dignity
- Reduce the risk of clinical error and miscommunication
- Support equitable access to healthcare services
- Align with duty of care and patient safety standards
NAATI certification provides assurance that interpreters and translators meet nationally recognised professional standards and competency requirements.
Find a certified interpreter
Access NAATI’s online directory to locate qualified professionals across languages, locations and service types.
Visit the directory
