The Commonwealth Government Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) can provide interpreting assistance. On-site services can also be arranged through TIS.

To contact the translating and interpreting service phone 13 14 50

Telephone  13 14 50

or fax: 03 9484 0296

Alternatively, similar services can be arranged through the following services:

• Amigos Translate
  Phone: 03 6228 5480
  Fax: 03 6228 2036
  Email: amigostr@bigpond.net.au
  Website: http://www.amigostr.com
  
• Language Link
  Phone: 03 6344 7831
  Fax: 03 6344 8566
  Mobile: 0408 344 433
  Email: info@languagelinks.com.au
  Website: www.languagelinks.com.au
  
• All World Languages
  Phone: 03 6224 5355
  Fax: 03 6224 5366

Interpreting services are at a cost and should be booked ahead with details of time and place.

The Tasmanian Government policy is that interpreting services will be available free of charge to clients who need them.

Information about the Australian Government's Interpreter Card is available on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

Guidelines for using interpreters

• For basic communication you may have a bilingual staff member who may be able to assist.
• An on-site or telephone interpreter should be employed for more complex matters.

Identifying the client's language

Before you call an interpreter:

• if possible, locate a telephone with a speaker facility
• take the client to a private area
• ask the client to confirm their language using a language identifier (available from Multicultural Tasmania or from this website under the Publications menu)
• inform the client that you plan to ring the Translating and Interpreting Service, and as best as possible, seek the client's approval

Effective use of an interpreter

• Use short, concise sentences
• Speak slowly
• Do not use slang or jargon
• Talk to the client, not to the interpreter (eg: "How can I help you?", "Where is your son/daughter?", "Where do you hurt?")

For general information and advice contact:

• State Government Multicultural Tasmania
  By phone on 03 6233 3439 or,
  Freecall 1800 066 782 (Tasmania only)

Information on specific matters is available from the:

• Overseas Qualifications Unit: 03 6233 7948
• Adult Migrant English Service:
• • Hobart: 03 6233 7119
  • Launceston: 03 6336 2598
  • Burnie: 03 6434 6366
  • Devonport: 03 6424 6055
• Tasmania Police - Multicultural Liaison Officer: 03 62 30 2111 in Hobart or any Police Station in Tasmania.

Multicultural Community Networks that can help

• Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) at:
• • Hobart: 03 6234 9411
  • Launceston: 03 6331 2300
  • Burnie 03 6431 9476
  • Devonport 03 6423 5598
• Good Neighbour Council (GNCs) in Hobart and Launceston - See telephone directory or contact Multicultural Tasmania.
• Consuls in Tasmania representing specific countries - See Southern telephone directory, under "Consuls"
• Ethnic Communities' Councils (ECCs) in Launceston or other specialist community organisations - Contact Multicultural Tasmania for details
• Phoenix Centre for Torture and Trauma: 03 6234 9138 
• Multicultural Council of Tasmania 03 6231 5067
• Multicultural Organisations in the South, North and North-West - Contact Multicultural Tasmania.

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