Australia’s only daily news service delivered in Australian Sign Language has had its funding extended until 2027.
The ABC reported last month that Auslan90, produced by Deaf Connect, was set to go off air next month, as its federal government funding was due to end in June.
The non-profit organisation’s chief services officer, Brent Phillips, said they had received confirmation that the federal government would provide funding to maintain the program until June 2027.
The federal government has renewed funding for the Auslan90 service, which was expected to go off air next month. (ABC News: Sarah Richards)
“This ongoing funding is thanks to the support of so many community members who provided video testimonies, wrote to government and advocated for the show,” he said.
“A big thanks to you all.“
The program was launched in 2024 to cover the day’s top stories in Auslan and has produced more than 400 news bulletins.
The videos, presented purely in Auslan by Deaf journalists, are shared on social media and have reached more than 300,000 Australians.
It provides news to the Deaf community in their first language, helping explain important news stories, such as international wars, elections, cyclones, and fuel shortages.
Auslan90 has produced more than 400 news bulletins which have reached more than 300,000 Australians. (ABC News: Sarah Richards)
A health department spokesperson previously told the ABC Auslan90 had received funding through an information, linkages and capacity building (ILC) program grant.
They had said grants from the ILC program would be “gradually” ceasing as it was being replaced with a new disability peer support and connections program.
Mr Phillips said the new funding would continue to come from the health department and would be maintained at the current level of service.
That allows for Auslan90 to continue its weekday news, weekend deep dives and special editions for coverage of major events including the federal election.
Brent Phillips has thanked the community for advocating for the program. (ABC NEWS: Patrick Stone)
“We are thrilled,” he said.
When the program was announced two years ago, then social services minister Amanda Rishworth said the government was committed to creating a more inclusive and accessible Australia.
“This program will help ensure the Deaf community can receive and access news and current affairs programs in their first language,” the Labor MP said in a 2024 media release.
The health department has been contacted for comment.
The ABC News 5pm national news bulletin on Sundays is picture-in-picture Auslan interpreted and closed-captioned.
The bulletin, which also includes a two-minute weekly news recap, can be watched weekly on ABC News Channel and ABC iview.
