Free interpreter services in Australia: how to get an interpreter when you need one

The Translating and Interpreting Service, TIS National, is run by the Department of Home Affairs. It provides phone, on-site and video interpreting, and its immediate phone interpreting is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

1. Call 131 450. TIS National says anyone in Australia can use it for the cost of a local call.
2. Say the language you need (and the dialect, if it matters).
3. Give the name and number of the organisation you want to talk to, such as your bank, landlord or a government agency.
4. The interpreter joins the call and interprets between you and the organisation.

TIS National says most of its interpreting services are free to non-English speakers, because the organisation you're contacting usually pays. Many government agencies, hospitals and community services use it routinely.

TIS National's Free Interpreting Service lets eligible organisations book interpreters at no charge for people with limited English who are eligible for Medicare. At the time of writing, eligible providers include:

• Private medical practitioners, such as GPs, nurse practitioners, endorsed midwives and medical specialists
• Pharmacies
• Some allied health professionals
• Non-government and community organisations
• Real estate agencies, local councils and registered trade unions
• Members of parliament

When you book an appointment, tell the clinic you need an interpreter and in which language, so they can arrange one in advance. Public hospitals and state health services have their own arrangements, so ask when you book.

It can feel easier to bring a relative or a bilingual friend. For anything important, a professional interpreter is usually the better choice:

• Accuracy. Professional interpreters are trained to interpret everything that's said, without adding, leaving out or softening.
• Impartiality and confidentiality. They aren't part of your family or community dispute, and they're expected to keep what they hear confidential.
• Credentials. Interpreters booked through TIS National hold NAATI credentials, Australia's standard for interpreters.
• Children shouldn't have to do it. Asking a child to interpret medical or legal news puts a heavy load on them, and they may not know the words.

• Speak to the other person, not the interpreter. Look at the doctor or officer and talk as if the interpreter weren't there.
• Use short sentences and pause. The interpreter usually works consecutively, so give them a chance to interpret each part.
• Say if you don't understand. Ask for an explanation; the interpreter will interpret your question.
• Mention the dialect if your language has big regional differences.
• Ask for a different interpreter if you have a reason, for example a conflict of interest or a gender preference for a medical appointment.

Many interpreters came to Australia as migrants themselves. If you speak English and another language well, interpreting could be work you're suited to. TIS National's panel asks for a NAATI credential and Australian citizenship, permanent residence or New Zealand citizenship. See how to become an interpreter in Australia.