What does CALD mean in Australia?

In Australia, CALD is short for culturally and linguistically diverse. It is a broad term used by government, health services, schools, universities, councils and community organisations to describe people who have different cultural backgrounds and who may speak languages other than English at home (or alongside English).

CALD can be useful for planning services, measuring access and improving inclusion. At the same time, it does not capture every person’s identity. Many people will identify with their language, country of birth, ancestry, or community rather than the label “CALD”. A respectful approach is to use CALD as a planning term, and when you are communicating publicly, be specific where possible (for example, “Mandarin‑speaking families”, “Arabic‑speaking communities”, or “newly arrived communities in Melbourne’s west”).

Why CALD matters

Australia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. This diversity is a strength, but it also means services and information need to be accessible in more than one way. When important information is only in complex English, some people can miss out on services, misunderstand key details, or feel excluded from decisions that affect them.

CALD considerations matter across many areas, including health, housing, legal services, education, disability support, emergency information, community consultations and public events. When people can understand information and communicate comfortably, outcomes improve for individuals, organisations and the wider community.

What ‘counts’ as CALD?

There isn’t one perfect definition, and different agencies use different measures depending on their purpose. In practice, CALD is usually understood through a combination of indicators, such as country of birth, language spoken at home, English proficiency, and ancestry or cultural identity.

Using more than one indicator is important because two people can both be described as CALD but have very different communication needs. For example, one person may speak English fluently but still prefer important information in their first language. Another person may need an interpreter to fully participate in appointments, meetings or decision‑making.

A practical guide for government and service providers

If you work in government, a university, a health service, a council, or any organisation that supports the public, effective multicultural engagement is not just “nice to have”. It reduces risk, improves service uptake, and helps ensure people can access their rights and responsibilities.

Below is a simple approach you can apply to most programs, consultations and communications.

1) Be clear about who you are trying to reach

Avoid a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. Define the community you are trying to reach as clearly as you can. Ask:

• Which languages are most relevant for this topic?
• Which locations or suburbs are you targeting?
• Which groups are most affected (students, parents, seniors, new arrivals, NDIS participants)?
• What level of English confidence and literacy is likely?

If you’re unsure, start by reviewing local demographic information and speaking with frontline staff and community partners. Community organisations often know the best channels and what barriers people face.

2) Use plain English first

Plain English helps everyone, including people who speak English as an additional language. It also makes translation more accurate because the meaning is clearer. A quick checklist:

• Keep sentences short (one idea per sentence).
• Use everyday words (say “help” instead of “assistance” where possible).
• Put the most important information first (what, who, when, where, how).
• Explain acronyms or avoid them.
• Use clear headings and dot points.

3) Know when you need translation, interpreting, or both

Translation and interpreting are different services, and choosing the right one matters.

Use translation when people need to read and keep information, such as:

• letters, forms, brochures, consent documents, web pages, policies

Use interpreting when people need to ask questions and make decisions, such as:

• appointments, interviews, meetings, conferences, consultations, disciplinary processes

For high‑stakes topics (health, legal, child safety, disability supports, housing and complaints), professional interpreting is usually the safest option.

4) Make access easy, not just available

A common problem is: “We translated it, but people didn’t use it.” Access improves when information is easy to find and easy to use.

Practical steps that work:

• Put language links at the top of the page (not buried).
• Use community channels people already trust (community groups, local radio, settlement services).
• Offer a phone option and explain how to request an interpreter.
• Include translated ‘how‑to’ steps (not just policy language).

5) Engage, don’t just broadcast

Community engagement works best when it is two‑way. People are more likely to participate when they feel respected and listened to.

If you are running a consultation, consider:

• Co‑designing sessions with community organisations.
• Holding sessions at familiar locations (community centres, libraries, places of worship).
• Offering in‑language facilitation and professional interpreters.
• Providing food, childcare options, and flexible session times where appropriate.
• Sharing back ‘what we heard’ and what will happen next.

6) Avoid using family members as interpreters for sensitive matters

It can feel convenient to rely on family members, but this increases the risk of misunderstandings and can place pressure on children or relatives. For private, medical, legal or complex discussions, professional interpreters help protect everyone.

A quick government checklist 

☐ We have identified the main language groups for this audience.

☐ We have written the English message in plain language.

☐ We have decided what needs translation and what needs interpreting.

☐ We have made translated content easy to find and access.

☐ We have planned trusted distribution channels and community partners.

☐ We have allowed time for review and quality assurance.

☐ We have a way for people to ask questions (phone, email, in-language support).

A simple guide for community members

If you’re part of a multicultural community (or supporting someone who is), you have the right to understand important information and to participate in decisions that affect you.

Ask for an interpreter when you need one

For important services—health, legal matters, government services, education meetings and disability supports—ask for an interpreter if you need one. It’s okay to say: “I want an interpreter, please.”

Don’t rely on children to interpret

Children should not be asked to interpret private or complex matters. It can lead to mistakes and can be stressful for them. A professional interpreter helps you communicate clearly and confidently.

Keep copies and ask early

If you receive a letter, form or decision and you’re unsure what it means, ask for help early. Keep copies of important documents and write down key dates. If you can, request information in your language.

Use trusted local support

Community centres, settlement services, councils and multicultural organisations can often help you connect with services or find the right support. If you don’t know where to start, ask your local council or community centre.

How we support government, organisations and communities

We support government departments, universities, businesses and community organisations to communicate clearly and respectfully with multicultural communities across Australia. We provide professional language services including interpreting, NAATI translation, transcription, subtitling and voice‑over.

If you’re planning a consultation, running an event, delivering a service, or updating public information, we can help you choose the right mix of translation, interpreting and accessible communication. We can also support multilingual events with interpreting equipment such as booths, headsets, receivers and audio systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CALD stand for?

CALD stands for culturally and linguistically diverse.

Should government use the term CALD publicly?

Often it’s better to say “multicultural communities” or name the specific community where possible, unless writing for a specialist audience.

What’s the difference between translation and interpreting?

Translation is written. Interpreting is spoken. Use translation for documents and interpreting for conversations and decisions.

When should I request an interpreter?

Request an interpreter for medical, legal, government, education or disability matters if you are not confident in English.

How can organisations engage multicultural communities better?

Use plain language, provide professional language support, partner with community organisations, and make access easy.

Sources and further reading

Australian Style Manual – Cultural and linguistic diversity: https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/accessible-and-inclusive-content/inclusive-language/cultural-and-linguistic-diversity

ABS – Standards for Statistics on Cultural and Language Diversity: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/standards/standards-statistics-cultural-and-language-diversity/latest-release

AIHW – CALD Australians overview: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/population-groups/cald-australians/overview

Ethnolink article reference (topic example): https://www.ethnolink.com.au/news/cald-culturally-and-linguistically-diverse/