Language and communication support

Language barriers, low health literacy and unfamiliarity with Australia’s health system can impact health outcomes and access to care for people from refugee and multicultural backgrounds and for people who are deaf, deafblind or hard-of-hearing. Using accredited interpreters supports accuracy, confidentiality and patient autonomy, and enables patients to better understand their care and actively participate in decisions.

Why use a qualified interpreter?

  • To provide clear and respectful communication
  • Avoid medical errors
  • Support informed consent
  • Meet ethical and clinical standards
  • Reduce legal risk for providers. Note: Consent for examination or treatment may be legally invalid if a required interpreter is not used.

Best practices

  • Identify the need early: assess language proficiency and arrange an interpreter if required
  • Use qualified interpreters for all medical discussions. Avoid family, friends or translation apps (e.g. Google Translate) for clinical conversations.
  • Record the patient’s language preferences, including gender preferences
  • Allow extra time for appointments involving interpreters
  • Interpreter time may be claimable under time-tiered MBS items – see MBS Online.

Access free interpreting services

TIS National

Eligible primary healthcare providers in the Murray PHN region may access free interpreting services – immediate and pre-booked phone interpreting and on-site and remote video interpreting – through TIS National:

How to book TIS National interpreter

Auslan interpreters

For many Deaf Australians, Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is their primary language. Auslan is a distinct language with its own grammar and structure. Under the National Sign Language Program (NSLP), free Auslan interpreting is available for:

  • deaf, deafblind or hard-of-hearing people aged 65 years and older (50+ for First Nations people)
  • appointments related to health, aged care, community participation and general wellbeing
  • NDIS participants can also access Auslan interpreting through their NDIS plan
  • Deaf Connect manages NSLP bookings for eligible older Australians, including health-related appointments.

How to book an Auslan interpreter

  • Book through Deaf Connect by calling 1300 011 332 or online via the Deaf Connect website. For NDIS participants, book through the participant’s provider or preferred interpreting agency.

Interpreter training and tools

Additional resources

Last Update: December 16th, 2025

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.