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Federal Government Gives One-Year Funding Extension to Auslan90 Daily News Service
The Australian government will extend one-off funding for Auslan90, the country's only daily news service in Australian Sign Language, through June 2027. The service, produced by Deaf Connect, had been scheduled to end next month.
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The federal government will provide one-off time-limited funding to Deaf Connect to maintain Auslan90 from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Abc reported that the service had been set to end in June 2026 after its existing ILC program grant concluded. Auslan90 launched in 2024 and has produced more than 400 news bulletins presented in Auslan by Deaf journalists.
The videos have reached more than 300,000 Australians through social media. Brent Phillips, chief services officer of Deaf Connect, stated the organization received confirmation of the renewed federal funding. He said the extension resulted from community advocacy that included video testimonies and letters to government.
The health department spokesperson said the government recognizes the importance of accessible communications, including the provision of information in Auslan. The spokesperson added that all ILC-funded organizations, including Deaf Connect, are encouraged to apply for future Commonwealth grants.
Mr Phillips said the new funding will maintain the current level of service, including weekday news, weekend deep dives, and special editions.
He stated the service will continue coverage of major events such as the federal election. When the program was announced in 2024, then social services minister Amanda Rishworth said the government was committed to creating a more inclusive and accessible Australia.
She said the program would help ensure the Deaf community can receive and access news and current affairs programs in their first language.
The ABC News 5pm national news bulletin on Sundays is picture-in-picture Auslan interpreted and closed-captioned, and includes a two-minute weekly news recap available on ABC News Channel and ABC iview.
