Do I need an interpreter for appointments with Australian government agencies?
Many Australian government agencies provide interpreters free through the federal TIS National service, so you usually need not hire one. Private appointments and specialised proceedings are the exception.
In-depth Answer
Translating and Interpreting Service National is the Australian government's interpreting service, available by phone around the clock with Thai on its books.
Agencies registered with it — Services Australia, state health services and others — pay for the interpreter rather than the client.
To use it, tell the officer at the start of the call that you need a Thai interpreter and they will bring one onto a three-way line.
Note that the interpreter conveys speech only: they do not give advice or fill in forms for you.
On-site interpreting must be booked in advance, and for legally consequential settings such as evidence before a court or the execution of instruments, use an interpreter whose credential level matches the task.
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