How the Free Interpreting Service (FIS) supports non-government organisations (NGOs)
The FIS gives eligible NGOs free access to professional certified interpreters to communicate with people who are eligible for Medicare and have limited English proficiency. This helps remove language barriers and supports clear, effective communication.
Eligibility and registration
NGOs are eligible to access the FIS if they are:
- an Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) registered not-for-profit, non-government, and community-based organisation, and
- delivering services to anyone in Australia who is eligible for Medicare (Australian citizens, permanent residents and select temporary visa holders), and
- not receiving substantial government funding for the delivery of the service (as a proportion of total funding).
Eligible activities
The FIS can be used for providing the following approved case work or emergency services that are essential to economic or social participation:
- information, referral, support and advice, including for people with chronic disease, acute health conditions or a disability
- community engagement services, including referral services to third party agencies, mentoring programs and respite care
- crisis intervention services, including domestic violence, homelessness, unemployment, severe financial difficulties and legal matters.
Ineligible activities
The FIS cannot be used for:
- substantially government funded services (Australian or state/territory government). Organisations delivering services where a substantial portion of their funding comes from government should discuss access to interpreting services with their government funding body
- clinical medical services eligible under the FIS ‘private medical practitioners’ or ‘eligible allied health professionals’ categories
- political and media advocacy or lobbying
- immigration advice
- recreational activities or programs
- education and training (school, universities or VET training providers)
- early childhood education or childcare.
3-yearly eligibility review
Every NGO’s FIS access is reviewed every 3 years. A new assessment occurs to determine ongoing FIS eligibility and compliance with TIS National and FIS Terms and Conditions. Eligible NGOs are notified of their FIS eligibility review date upon approval.
Registration
Each NGO will need a unique client code to access the service. All NGO staff undertaking eligible activities can use the allocated client code.
