Ms VAGHELA (Western Metropolitan):
My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Small Business and Minister for Local Government, the Honourable Adem Somyurek. My question to the minister relates to his portfolio responsibilities of small business.
When it comes to business, language should not be a barrier. Therefore the Andrews Labor government has released translated fact sheets and videos offered by the Victorian Small Business Commission in simplified Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Turkish, Spanish and Dari to support business owners whose first language is not English.
The Victorian Small Business Commission provides services in languages other than English to support small business owners, including translation of information on public holidays and long service leave. It also delivers information sessions in languages other than English. My question to the minister is: can the minister provide more information on the languages chosen for the translated services and why these particular languages were chosen?
RESPONSE
Mr SOMYUREK (South Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Small Business) (6 February 2020):
The materials and guidance provided by the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) are designed to help small business owners regarding various matters relating to owning a business. This assists them in better understanding their rights and responsibilities.
The translated materials include:
- an easy-to-read fact sheet on how the VSBC can help resolve small business disputes
- a retail leases information brochure with important information tenants need to know before signing
- an animation on the VSBC’s services with translated voiceover and subtitles.
The languages for this important VSBC material, is informed by the language needs of new and emerging Victorian small businesses and guided by multicultural communication and community engagement experts.
In addition to this, languages are chosen based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data, the most common languages spoken at home or by owner managers in Victoria abs the analysis of where the greatest needs exist.