Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National
To use an interpreter over the telephone
Telephone: 131 450
On this page
What is TIS National?
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) provides the TIS National interpreting service for people who do not speak English and for the English speakers who need to communicate with them. TIS National has more than 30 years of experience in the interpreting industry, and has access to over 1300 contracted interpreters across Australia, speaking more than 120 languages and dialects. TIS National is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any person or organisation in Australia requiring interpreting services.
Why should I use an interpreter?
TIS National recommends that interpreters should be used:
- to ensure accurate communication between people who have different language needs
- because effective professional practice requires both parties to have a clear understanding of each other
- because in times of crisis or stress, a person's second language competency may decrease
- because all Australians have the right to access services freely available to English speaking Australians – irrespective of their ethnic background and first language preference.
Why should I use TIS National's interpreters?
TIS National's resources and depth of experience makes it ideally placed to provide professional interpreting services for all Australians.
TIS National is a leader in the interpreting industry and exclusively uses contracted interpreters who:
- are insured for professional indemnity, public liability and workers compensation
- have been cleared by Australian Federal Police checks
- are bound by the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) Code of Ethics.
Interpreting tasks are assigned to contracted interpreters based on their accreditation standard, geographical location and availability. Priority is given to interpreters with National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) professional accreditation or recognition when allocating assignments.
Requests can also be made for male and female interpreters in sensitive or gender–specific interpreting assignments.
NAATI accredited and recognised interpreters
The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI) is the national standards setting body for the translating and interpreting industry in Australia. It was established in 1977, and is owned by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia.
NAATI manages the testing and accreditation of translators and interpreters in Australia. It also serves the community by providing industry advice, consultancy services and skills training for people who use interpreters.
TIS National contracts interpreters who have language skills that are accredited or recognised by NAATI. In some cases TIS may also recruit interpreters with community language skills.
To find out more about NAATI, please visit the NAATI website.
See: National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd
Accessible Government Services for All
The Australian Government aims to achieve fairer and more accessible government services and programmes through its Accessible Government Services for All strategy.
The strategy encourages Australian Government agencies to take a greater leadership role regarding diversity issues and promotes a whole-of-government approach. The framework has four key principles which address the responsibilities of government. The principles are as follows:
- Responsiveness – the extent to which programmes and services are accessible, fair and responsive to the individual needs of clients
- Communication – open and effective channels of communication with all stakeholders
- Accountability – effective and transparent reporting and review mechanisms
- Leadership – a whole-of-government approach to management of issues arising from Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse society.
Accessible Government Services for All replaces the Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society, which was first introduced in 1998.
See: Accessible Government Services for All
Further information
For more information on TIS National.
See:
What services does TIS provide for English speakers?
What services does TIS provide for
non-English speakers?
TIS National service charges
Free services
TIS publications and forms
TIS National contact details
Career Opportunities for Interpreters
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