Australia’s reputation for innovation and standard-setting started in 1977. The government has funded services, training, fostered the skills of bilingual individuals and paid them to apply those skills. NAATI accreditation is the only accepted official professional qualification. A report in 1996 recommended that bilingual/bicultural staff be adopted across all departments and agencies. The 1978 report expressed preference for bilingual services. The current Multicultural Agenda regards translating and interpreting essential to service a multicultural society. State governments pay interpreting costs for people seeking to access their services. Currently there are 1915 active professionals, 1,090 for interpreting work, 667 for translating and 100 for both.