How the Free Interpreting Service (FIS) supports city/shire councils
City/shire councils provide essential services. The FIS gives free access to professional certified interpreters, removing language barriers and supporting clear, effective communication. It supports equal access for community members with limited English proficiency. This is particularly important when communicating complex or technical information.
Eligibility and registration
City/shire councils are eligible to access the FIS to communicate with anyone in Australia who is eligible for Medicare (Australian citizens, permanent residents and select temporary visa holders).
Eligible activities
The FIS can be used to deliver most city/shire council services and activities.
Ineligible activities
The FIS cannot be used by city/shire councils for:
- local tourism or other commercial activities
- compliance activities (for example, animal, food or building safety or business regulation)
- citizenship ceremonies
- services provided on behalf of another government body (i.e. services funded by Australian or state/territory governments).
Registration
Each city/shire council will need a unique client code to access the service. All city/shire council staff undertaking eligible activities can use the allocated client code.
