Australia’s only daily news service delivered in Australian Sign Language is set to go off air next month. Auslan90, which provides top news stories presented purely in Auslan by Deaf journalists, will cease operations on June 30 as its federal government funding comes to an end.
Produced by the non-profit organisation Deaf Connect, the service has reached more than 300,000 Australians since its launch in 2024. To date, the program has produced more than 400 news bulletins covering critical topics including international wars, elections, cyclones, and fuel shortages.
The Linguistic Barrier to Information
Brett Casey, chief executive of Deaf Connect, emphasized that the program is vital because Auslan is the first language for many in the Deaf community. He noted that for many, English is a second language and their grasp of it varies.
Mr. Casey compared the experience to that of hearing individuals who can absorb news via radio or television while performing daily chores. For Deaf people, he stated, access to news in their first language is limited to once a day through Auslan90.
The service has been instrumental in explaining complex global events, such as the link between the Iran war and rising fuel prices in Australia, which Mr. Casey says significantly impact a person’s ability to make informed decisions.
Impact on the Community
For viewers like 82-year-old Marcia Girke-Boylen, the service provides essential clarity. The Toowoomba resident, who was born deaf, said English subtitles on television are often too swift to read, causing her to miss words or find the content nonsensical.
Ms. Girke-Boylen stated that Auslan90 gave her “100 per cent of the information,” making her feel happy and confident. She expressed that without the service, she would be “depressed” and would return to struggling with subtitles and language barriers.
Funding Transitions and Gaps
A health department spokesperson explained that Auslan90 was funded through an information, linkages and capacity building (ILC) program grant. These grants are gradually ceasing as they are replaced by a new disability peer support and connections program.
Applications for the new scheme are scheduled to close in July, but successful activities are not expected to commence until July 2027. The spokesperson added that the government recognises the importance of accessible communications in Auslan.
The lack of consistent Auslan interpretation has already been felt during emergencies. Interpreters were missing when ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper strengthened to a category four system and when Gold Coast residents were urged to stay home during severe storms.
Potential Next Steps
Deaf Connect has submitted a request for ongoing funding ahead of the federal budget, which is due to be handed down on May 12. This submission represents a primary effort to secure the service’s future.
Mr. Casey mentioned that while other options may exist outside of government funding, it remains unclear if they would be sustainable or if support could be secured by the June 30 deadline.
Currently, the only other major daily option is the ABC News 5pm national news bulletin on Sundays, which features picture-in-picture Auslan interpretation and closed-captioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Auslan90 stop broadcasting?
The last show is scheduled to be filmed on June 30.
Why is the service ending?
The service is ending because the federal government grant from the information, linkages and capacity building (ILC) program is coming to an end.
What other Auslan news options are available?
The ABC News 5pm national news bulletin on Sundays provides picture-in-picture Auslan interpretation and closed-captioning, including a two-minute weekly news recap.
How should governments balance the transition between old grant programs and new ones to ensure essential services do not experience gaps in coverage?