Local government authorities are eligible to access the 24/7 Free Interpreting Service to communicate with any non-English speaking clients in Australia who are eligible for Medicare, with the assistance of a phone operator.
The Free Interpreting Service can be used to deliver local government services and activities, including, but not limited to:
- rates enquiries
- parking and building permits
- planning and urban services
- local government funded community support services
- emergency preparedness and response activities
- local government funded library and recreation services
- parks and public amenities services and maintenance
- animal safety, control and registration (excludes compliance activities)
- food or building safety and regulation (excludes compliance activities).
The Free Interpreting Service cannot be used by local government authorities for:
- local tourism or other commercial activities
- compliance visits (for example, health and safety inspections)
- citizenship ceremonies
- services provided on behalf of another government body (that is, services funded by state, territory or Commonwealth governments).