Anne Stanley (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Dealing with the complexities of life is difficult at the best of times. Paperwork, red tape, rules, regulations and just paying bills take up an incredible amount of time, not to mention patience. Then, of course, there's the issue of computers. If the connection isn't down, then the printer can almost certainly be jammed. For those of us whose first language is English, what I've described is manageable—if only just, at times. But it is so much more isolating if English is not your first language.

My electorate is home to 152 discrete language groups. The data in the 2021 census is revealing in this regard. Sixty-six per cent of households in the electorate of Werriwa use a language other than English at home. Of these, Arabic, Vietnamese, Hindi, Assyrian Neo-Aramaic and Spanish are the most common. With regard to parenting, just over 68 per cent of Werriwa residents state that both parents were born overseas compared to the national average of 36 per cent. The diversity in my electorate is one of the things that I love about it, but it still can present challenges—especially when helping constituents with their matters. One of the most important tools for me and my staff is the national Translating and Interpreting Service, TIS National. Using TIS is often a game changer. When language barriers emerge, either over the counter or more likely on the phone, a quick call to TIS National can make all of the difference.

It's not an exaggeration to say you can hear the barriers fall away as constituents speak to an interpreter in their own language. It means the constituent can properly express themselves and be guaranteed that any confusion or misunderstanding can be dealt with promptly, and it adds another benefit. A number of times in my electorate office the children of constituents have acted as interpreters for their parents. I thoroughly understand why this is the case, but it can be far from ideal for any number of reasons. Using TIS means the use of children as an intermediary isn't necessary, and, if nothing else, it frees them to go back to school and allows them to still be children.

The Australian government began providing translation services in 1947 and interpreting services in the 1950s. The original aim was to support and help post-World-War-II migrants, and the services provided by TIS are fundamental to full participation in our society. The funding of the service for all three levels of government, plus the private sector and individuals, underscores that language is important and is not an optional or discretionary service. Rather, it's fundamental to safety, participation, fairness and equality.

The services provided by TIS National are exceptional and world class. It provides translation and interpreting services to government agencies across all three tiers of government. Telephone interpreting services are key here, but there is also remote interpreting via video and onsite interpreting and translating services. It provides 24/7 telephone interpreting—supporting triple zero services, hospitals, courts and other urgent needs. Then, there's the free interpreting service and the free translation service for key non-government entities, including doctors, pharmacists, trade unions, real estate agencies and parliamentarians. The FTS also provides new arrivals with free translation into English of key personal documents to support their participation in education, employment and community life.

Finally, TIS National also supports the training and development of translators and interpreters. In 2024, advice provided by the Australian Government Solicitor, the AGS, advised that TIS National required express legislative authority, in particular, in relation to services provided to private-sector bodies. This bill, then, is vital in addressing the risks identified by the AGS in its legal advice. Specifically, the bill establishes a statutory framework for the services provided by TIS National within the Department of Home Affairs.

The proposed legislation sets out the functions provided by TIS National and will ensure clear and enduring statutory support for these functions. It's particularly noteworthy that the legislation will enable the Secretary of the Department to provide or arrange the provision of translating services to the Commonwealth or agencies and to the states and territories or agencies. It will allow for the facilitation of communication by a person with these Commonwealth, state or territory agencies, authorities, bodies, organisations or office holders. The legislation will also expressly provide for other services provided by TIS National, including development, training and supporting translators and interpreters for the purposes of TIS National's core functions.

I can only begin to imagine the difficulties constituents face when English is not their first language. Thank goodness that, when it's needed, TIS National is available. I know firsthand the wonderful work it does. It's a terrific investment in ensuring that everyone can fully participate in our society. Such a service requires our support not only in a budgetary sense but also for a legislative framework that ensures it can carry out its vital functions and service without worry or concern. I commend the bill to the House, but I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff and interpreters at TIS National. They are a great support for my office when we need them for our constituents.

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