Virtual and AI tools fill Auslan interpreter gap in regional Victoria, sparking job concerns

Finding an Auslan interpreter in regional Victoria has become increasingly difficult, leading agencies to rely on virtual interpreters, AI captioning and on-demand apps. The limited number of local professionals, exemplified by Cindy Murray’s recent resignation, cites agencies’ refusal to cover travel expenses and a preference for lower-cost remote solutions. Live captioning, while helpful for hearing-impaired users, does not translate sign language and therefore cannot replace all interpreting needs.

Deaf Connect’s chief services officer, Brent Phillips, stresses that the organization will still strive to meet a customer’s first-choice for an in-person interpreter, monitoring AI developments but rejecting them as a full replacement. Deaf Victoria’s regional outreach officer, Gary Kerridge, highlights a trial of the Convo app, which connects qualified interpreters nationwide with users via a fee-based platform, noting that it can reduce NDIS costs while acknowledging that not every session suits an online format. Ballarat City Council is among the early adopters, and Kerridge believes the technology, if properly deployed, could save lives without eliminating face-to-face work.