A telephone interpreter service (TIS National) is provided by the Commonwealth Government through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. For assistance, on-site interpreting services, or to pre-book an interpreter, see the contact details below.

The interpreter service operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week. It is arranged through a network of on-call interpreters. All languages are available, although there may sometimes be a delay while an interpreter is located.

TIS provides fee-free service to certain English speaking individuals and groups in the community who provide settlement-related services to permanent visa holders (permanent residents) and Australian citizens who do not speak English. A non-English speaker will not be required to pay for TIS services if they are contacting a government service or agency. Visit the TIS website at www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/help-with-english/help_with_translating/index.htm to see the full range of services and fee structures.

The service is not a referral agency, but helps non-English speakers with communication problems in matters that could develop into a crisis situation. It can be used by migrants directly or by people seeking to advise them who, because of language difficulties, cannot understand the problem or communicate the advice.

Telephone Interpreter Service

Tel: 13 14 50 (24 hours/7 days per week)

On-site Interpreter Enquiry Line

Tel: 1300 655 082 (business hours)

On-site Interpreter bookings

Fax: 1300 654 151

Email: tis@immi.gov.au

Web: www.immi.gov.au

There is also the Legal Interpreting Service (LIS), which is part of VITS LanguageLink, a state-owned interpreting and translating service. VITS LanguageLink provides services to state and federal government, commercial and community clientele including Victoria Police and VicRoads on a fee-for-service basis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. VITS LanguageLink also provides telephone interpreting services via an automated telephone system. To confirm whether you are able to access any of the VITS LanguageLink services, telephone 9280 1941 or go to www.vits.com.au.