What does AUSIT stand for?
AUSIT stands for the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators, the national professional association for translators and interpreters in Australia. Members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and commit to continuous professional development.
Detailed description
The Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) is the national professional association for practitioners working in translation and interpreting across Australia. Established in 1987, AUSIT represents individual translators and interpreters rather than companies, setting professional standards and advocating for the profession at a national level.
AUSIT members are bound by the AUSIT Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, which establishes principles around accuracy, impartiality, confidentiality, professional development, and professional boundaries. These codes are widely referenced in government procurement guidelines and industry standards as benchmarks for professional practice.
The association provides ongoing professional development opportunities, networking events, and resources to help translators and interpreters maintain and improve their skills. AUSIT also contributes to policy discussions affecting the language services sector, including NAATI accreditation frameworks and government language service procurement.
AUSIT membership is distinct from NAATI accreditation. NAATI certifies individual competency through testing, while AUSIT membership represents a voluntary commitment to professional standards and continuous development. Many professional translators hold both NAATI credentials and AUSIT membership.
LEXIGO works with translators who are AUSIT members and NAATI certified, ensuring our team meets both the competency and ethical standards expected in the Australian market.
Why it matters
For clients, a translator's AUSIT membership provides additional assurance of their commitment to ethical practice and ongoing professional development. This is particularly relevant for sensitive work (legal proceedings, healthcare communications, government documents) where impartiality, confidentiality, and accuracy are paramount.
When evaluating a language service provider, it is worth asking whether their translators are AUSIT members alongside holding NAATI accreditation, as this demonstrates a commitment to the profession beyond minimum competency requirements.
Related questions about AUSIT
What is AUSIT?
AUSIT is the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators, the national professional association for translators and interpreters in Australia. It was founded in 1987.
What is the difference between AUSIT and NAATI?
NAATI is the national standards and certification body that issues credentials to translators and interpreters. AUSIT is a professional association that members choose to join for ethics, professional development and networking.
Is AUSIT membership required to work as a translator?
No. AUSIT membership is voluntary. For official translations in Australia, the credential that matters is NAATI certification.
What does the AUSIT Code of Ethics cover?
The AUSIT Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct set out nine principles for translators and interpreters: professional conduct, confidentiality, competence, impartiality, accuracy, clarity of role boundaries, maintaining professional relationships, professional development and professional solidarity.
How do I find an AUSIT member translator?
AUSIT publishes a directory of members. For official documents, also confirm the translator's NAATI certification in the NAATI Online Directory.