Interpreting services
As part of the Queensland Government Language Services Policy, Queensland Government agencies are required to provide and pay for professional interpreting services for clients seeking Queensland Government services who have difficulties communicating in English.
The Australian Government's Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National provides free interpreting services to non-English speaking Australian citizens or permanent residents communicating with some approved groups and individuals, such as some medical practitioners. Find out more about free interpreter services provided by TIS National.
In Queensland there are accredited and non-accredited interpreters. Agencies should request an interpreter accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) at the 'Professional Interpreter' level as a first preference, and a NAATI accredited 'Paraprofessional Interpreter' as a second preference, wherever possible.
Interpreters become accredited by either passing an exam set by NAATI or completing a NAATI-recognised tertiary course.
It is the responsibility of the Queensland Government agency to arrange and pay for the interpreter and to incorporate provision for meeting language services needs with funded organisations; clients should never be asked to pay for an interpreter when accessing Queensland Government services.
Telephone and on-site interpreting
The Australian Government's Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National provides both telephone and on-site interpreters.
Queensland Government agencies can arrange interpreting services for clients by telephoning TIS National on 131 450 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or by contacting other organisations of their choice. Information about private interpreting services can be found in the Yellow Pages under 'Interpreters'.
To arrange on-site interpreting in advance or pre-booked telephone interpreting at TIS National, telephone 1300 655 081 or fax on 1300 654 151. Request forms are available from TIS National. As there is a shortage of on-site interpreters in some languages in Queensland, it is advisable to provide TIS National with as much notice as possible (5 days is preferred) in order to maximise your chances of obtaining an on-site interpreter.
Further information about engaging interpreters can be found in the Queensland Government Language Service Policy Language Service Policy under 'Guidelines for working with interpreters', or in factsheets contained in the Queensland Interpreter Card Kit.
Translation services
Wherever possible, NAATI accredited translators should be used for written material. You can visit the directory of translators available in various languages on the NAATI website. Alternatively, see the listing of nationally accredited translators who are members of the Australian Institute for Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) on the AUSIT Website.
For more information, consider the Practical Guide for Organising Translations for Community Organisations
AUSLAN interpreting
Queensland Government agencies can arrange interpreters in AUSLAN and other sign languages through the Deaf Services Queensland by phoning +61 7 3892 8500 or 1800 630 745 (emergency after hours service) or emailing dsq@deafsq.org.au.
Queensland Government agencies may also refer clients to the National AUSLAN Interpreter Booking and Payment Service (NABS), which offers free services to Sign Language users and private medical practitioners. Additionally, NABS provides free interpreting services for deaf Indigenous People at any medical or health care appointment whether it is private or public. NABS can be contacted on 1800 246 945 (8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 1 pm, Saturday), or email: bookings@nabs.org.au.
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