The APESMA Translators and Interpreters Committee convened its first planning day recently.

Our campaign continues to build with the increasing involvement of a range of language groups.

We are embarking on a series of ongoing community meetings and the establishment of an APESMA Translators and Interpreters Committee (pictured right with APESMA CEO Chris Walton centre). This comes after a series of meetings saw the formation of a set of guiding campaign goals.

At the same time, the data-collection phase of the industry survey and the establishment of regular meetings and communications lead to an extremely successful Planning Day on 2 March.

A number of members have also accessed our contract review service since their membership became active.

As a member, you can access any Member Only content on the APESMA website including that on the Translators and Interpreters website.

As you know bringing about the positive changes needed to ensure the future of the industry will rely on your capacity to unite and work together – APESMA is proud to be working with you to meet the challenges ahead.

Campaign update

The Committee formed initial working groups in a range of strategic areas and will now move into a more detailed phase of background analysis and planning. To ensure we can campaign from a position of strength, it’s absolutely critical that we broaden our support base. We are calling on all members to continue to talk with their peers and colleagues about the importance of the recognition of the work of Translators and Interpreters, the need for unification to achieve it and how APESMA can provide the support to ensure the success of the campaign.

Issues update

As part of our communications with the members of our Translators and Interpreters group, we’ll regularly update you on issues that are of particular relevance to your profession including superannuation entitlements, contractor/employee status, how custom and practice operates and the PSI tax rules.

We kick off our updates this fortnight with some general information on distinguishing between an employment relationship and independent contractor arrangements and the obligations attached to each.

Employee or contractor?

•    Key indicators of employee/contractor relationships and different payer obligations.

•    Contractor or employee? Work through the APESMA checklist

•    ATO advice to employers on the distinction between employees and contractors

•    Read the Fair Work Ombudsman’s information

•    Business information for contractors and consultants

Tell us about your role

Tell us about your work as a Translator and/or Interpreter and why you joined APESMA in 100 words or less along with a headshot of yourself to go into the running for one of three $50 Amazon vouchers (expiry date 1.5.2012).

Your profile will be added to the Members Only section of the APESMA Translators and Interpreters website and will appear in an upcoming issue of e-news.

Submission to Insecure Work Inquiry

Read APESMA’s submission to the Insecure Work Inquiry