If English isn’t your primary language, finding help in your own language can be a great source of comfort when you’re trying to settle in a new country. Fortunately, Australia provides a variety of government-funded multilingual support services designed for new arrivals and immigrants facing language barriers.
At Remitly, we understand how critical these services are, especially if you’re juggling finances, health appointments, or benefits applications. This article explains how to access interpreting services, locate translated resources, and get professional language assistance for public services in Australia.
Multilingual support available in Australia
Government-funded multilingual services are designed to help people from different backgrounds access essential public services such as healthcare.
These services include:
- Professional interpreters for medical, social, and legal appointments
- Translated documents and fact sheets to make important information easier to understand
- Phone-based interpreting for quick assistance in your preferred language
Why language support matters
Having access to interpreters and translated information can:
- Reduce misunderstandings when dealing with medical or government services
- Improve health outcomes by ensuring you understand treatment and medication instructions
- Make everyday tasks easier, from applying for benefits to filling out official forms
If you ever feel unsure about where to start, don’t hesitate to ask. Government agencies and medical centres can provide an interpreter or direct you to a funded service that can help with translations.
Language should never be a barrier to getting the support you need. With the right services, you can feel more confident and connected in your community.
Are these services free?
Many language services in Australia receive full or partial funding, making it easier for immigrants to access the support they need. While some conditions apply, many government programs and community organisations offer free interpreting services, especially if your situation meets certain criteria.
What services are offered free of charge
Most government websites offer materials and resources translated into a variety of languages for free. Whether individual interpreting services are available without cost normally depends on the specific circumstances.
The Department of Health often covers interpreting for urgent medical needs, ensuring you can communicate with healthcare professionals.
TIS National provides free services for certain medical and social appointments. If you’re facing a serious legal matter, some legal interpreting services are free, too.
If you’re a carer attending a health-related appointment or in need of social support, let the agency know, as this could make you eligible for free assistance.
Funded services and subsidies
Government-funded multilingual support is designed to help with everyday tasks, ensuring language barriers don’t hold you back. Whether you’re applying for benefits, seeking housing assistance, or discussing health concerns with your doctor, subsidised help is often available.
Even if certain private appointments (like consulting a lawyer for non-urgent matters) aren’t covered, community organisations may offer subsidies or lower-cost options.
How to access translation and interpretation services
Many local councils, hospitals, and community groups offer language support to help you understand important information without struggling with unfamiliar terminology, especially if you aren’t a native English speaker.
How to get help in your language
- Contact TIS National: The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) connects you with an interpreter over the phone or in person. If you need real-time assistance, call 131 450.
- Explore local community centres: In states like NSW and Victoria, community groups often post details about free or subsidised language assistance.
- Check health facilities: Major hospitals usually have on-site interpreter services for widely spoken languages.
- Visit official websites: The Department of Health and the Department of Home Affairs list multilingual resources to guide you through procedures.
If you feel official websites are too complicated, remember you can skip technical details and ask for simplified fact sheets or direct contact numbers. This can save you time so that you find what you need as quickly as possible.
Further resources for language support
- My Aged Care offers free interpreter support for older Australians, including carers. Visit My Aged Care for more information.
- Centrelink, the service that delivers government benefits and payments in Australia, provides interpreter assistance for customers through its multilingual phone services.
- Victorian Government and NSW resources: Each state has online portals listing local translation and interpreting options. Visit vic.gov.au or Service NSW to locate them.
When making phone calls, you have the option to request an interpreter in your preferred language. If your language is less common, the agency might need extra time to arrange an interpreter.
Accessing public services in your language
Language barriers shouldn’t stop you from accessing the government support you deserve. That’s why public programs like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Centrelink offer interpreter services to help immigrants navigate essential services with ease. If you have a disability or care for someone who does, these programs make it simple to arrange free language support, ensuring you can communicate your needs without stress.
How to obtain interpreters via NDIS
If you’re registered with the NDIS, you can request an interpreter for appointments, phone calls, or plan meetings. The NDIS typically covers the cost if the interpreting service relates to your disability support needs. Just mention your preferred language, and your NDIS coordinator or provider will arrange for the appropriate interpreter.
This service ensures you can fully participate in discussions about your support and make informed decisions about your care while you settle in Australia.
Centrelink’s language support and interpreter services
Centrelink, part of Services Australia, offers free interpreters both in person and over the phone, making it easier to access government benefits, assistance payments, and other services. If you need to discuss payments, family benefits, or carer allowances, you can request an interpreter in many languages.
This service is funded for eligible customers, ensuring that language differences don’t stand in the way of getting the support you need. Whether you prefer to speak to someone in your native language or need assistance understanding paperwork, Centrelink’s interpreters are there to help. Just ask for language support when booking an appointment or calling Centrelink, and they will connect you with a qualified interpreter.
Multilingual support in other sectors
Australia offers a wealth of multilingual support beyond just government programs. Across healthcare, education, and community services, you’ll find interpreters, translated materials, and bilingual staff ready to assist.
Whether you need help understanding medical advice, engaging with your child’s school, or settling into your new community, there are dedicated resources to ensure you feel informed, supported, and included.
Health services
Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and language support in this sector is a top priority. Hospitals and clinics provide professional interpreters in person and over the phone to help with everything from scheduling surgeries and explaining diagnoses to discussing medication side effects.
The Department of Health also offers free translations of vital health information, particularly on immunisation, mental health, and chronic illness management. Hospitals prioritise these services to make sure patients and their families feel safe, informed, and empowered to make healthcare decisions with confidence.
Educational institutions
Schools and universities recognise the importance of clear communication between teachers and families from diverse backgrounds. Many schools provide translated materials or simplified information for parents who may not read English fluently to make sure they don’t miss any important updates.
Some schools even employ multilingual staff to help immigrants with enrolment, parent-teacher meetings, and special education support. Universities and vocational institutions also offer multilingual support for international students, making sure that language is never an obstacle to education and success.
Settlement and community support services
For newcomers, adjusting to life in a new country can feel overwhelming, but help is always available. Local neighbourhood centres, multicultural councils, and settlement agencies provide free or low-cost interpreting services to assist with housing applications, job training, legal support, and even social events.
These organisations work closely with the Australian Government to make sure new migrants can access opportunities and services without language barriers. Whether you need help understanding your rights as a worker, navigating public transport, or attending community programs, there’s support tailored to your needs.
Many websites also feature multilingual navigation options. When browsing, look in the top right corner for a flag to see the available language options. Then, scan the page for a “skip to main content” link to access key information quickly and easily.
Additional resources and support
Finding the right resource can make life much simpler when you’re dealing with complicated forms, appointments, or educational materials. Whether you’re looking for multiple languages, disability-friendly support, or culturally specific services, in Australia you’re likely to find exactly what you need to feel supported in your daily life.
Finding translated resources
Many government websites provide translations and other language fact sheets by using site-specific search tools. If you need reliable multilingual health information, the Health Translations website, supported by the Victorian Government, is an excellent resource. It offers easy-to-understand information on medical conditions, dietary advice, and mental well-being.
With so many options available, a little browsing can help you uncover the right resources in your preferred language, ensuring you stay informed and in control of your health and well-being.
FAQs
How can I access translation and interpretation services?
You can start by contacting TIS National for phone or on-site interpreting. You can also check local health or community centres, many of which offer multilingual resources. If you need more guidance, try to find simplified instructions on official websites or reach out to a reliable organisation in your area.
Is TIS service free?
TIS National is government-funded and often free if you qualify, especially for medical, health, or community services. However, some private appointments may incur fees. Always confirm with the agency arranging the interpreter.
How do I get an interpreter through NDIS?
If you receive NDIS support, speak with your plan manager or NDIS contact to arrange an interpreter. If it relates to your disability, the service will usually be funded. If you need it, you can request specific languages.
Does Centrelink have translators?
Yes. Centrelink offers in-person and phone interpreters for eligible clients. This helps you discuss carer allowances, disability services, and other benefits in your preferred language. Contact Centrelink’s multilingual phone service or ask for assistance.