Aged Care Migrant Worker Language Resource Hub
Is speaking your native language in the workplace not allowed?
Examples of memos put out by aged care providers
Your right to speak your native language on your break is protected by workplace law
Language is part of who you are. It’s how you speak with your family, friends, and the people you care about. For many aged care workers from other countries, break times are the only chance to talk to loved ones or speak in your own language. You have the right to do that and no one should punish you for it.
In Australia, the law protects your right to speak your language at work. Your employer can ask you to use English when caring for residents or talking about residents for safety reasons. But your employer cannot stop you from speaking your language during breaks or in staff areas.
Threatening or punishing you for speaking your language is wrong and may be against the law. You are free to speak your language during breaks, as long as it doesn’t affect the quality of care.
Your Aged Care Union can help if this happens. United Workers Union supports aged care workers to make workplaces fair, safe, and respectful and to ensure every worker is valued for who they are and what they bring to care.
Find out more by watching our video series below!
Having issues in your workplace?
Your Aged Care Union can help!
Being a migrant worker can come with challenges. You may feel stressed, undervalued, or unsure of your rights. Your Aged Care Union is here to support you with resources to understand your rights, including a guide about speaking languages during breaks.
Your Aged Care Union has also taken action against employers to win fair treatment and positive changes for migrant workers.
We win for migrant workers!
With the support of United Workers Union, our members have spoken up and won changes to unfair rules.
Bupa aged care
helping hand
fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
No. Your employer can ask you to speak English when caring for residents, but it is your right to speak your language during breaks.
It’s important to speak English around residents and families for their safety, care, and comfort. Some residents may feel confused or worried if they do not understand what is being said. During your breaks or in staff areas, you are free to speak your own language.
No. Threats or punishment for this are wrong and illegal. Contact your Aged Care Union if this happens. Visit https://uwu.org.au/contact
Write down what happened and talk to your Aged Care Union delegate at your workplace or your local Aged Care Organiser. They will help you.
That is not okay. Racism and discrimination should never be accepted in the workplace. If this happens, write down what was said and when it happened. Contact your Aged Care Union for support, they can help you take action.
Be mindful of your surroundings. Try not to use speakerphone during breaks, use headphones when calling family, and keep your voice at a lower volume. Small actions like this help everyone feel comfortable and respected at work.
It depends on your facility’s communication policies. Speaking a resident’s preferred language can help them feel more comfortable and build trust, especially for people with dementia or limited English.
However, English should always be used for continuity of care and proper documentation. This ensures care notes, handovers, and instructions are clear to all staff.
Good practice includes:
Use English when others need to understand, for example during handovers or team discussions.
Ensure no one is excluded if they do not speak the language.
Follow your facility’s communication policy to stay compliant.
When done correctly, speaking in a shared language can improve care while keeping documentation and communication accurate.
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