Translating and Interpreting Services Act 2026

The Secretary has the following functions:

to provide, or arrange for the provision of, translating and interpreting services to the Commonwealth or an agency, authority, body, organisation or office holder of the Commonwealth;

to provide, or arrange for the provision of, translating and interpreting services to facilitate communication by a person with the Commonwealth or an agency, authority, body, organisation or office holder of the Commonwealth;

to provide, or arrange for the provision of, translating and interpreting services to:

a State or a Territory; or

an agency, authority, body, organisation or office holder of a State or a Territory;

to provide, or arrange for the provision of, translating and interpreting services to facilitate communication by a person with:

a State or a Territory; or

an agency, authority, body, organisation or office holder of a State or a Territory;

to provide, or arrange for the provision of, translating and interpreting services by means of a telegraphic, telephonic or other like service (within the meaning of paragraph 51(v) of the Constitution);

to provide, or arrange for the provision of, translating and interpreting services for the primary purpose of assisting the following persons:

aliens;

persons who have migrated to Australia;

under arrangements with States and Territories, to provide, or arrange for the provision of, translating and interpreting services to address a national need that would not otherwise be met;

to develop, train and support translators and interpreters to provide services for the purposes of the above functions;

any other functions relating to translation and interpretation specified in the rules;

to do anything else that is incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.

Paragraphs (1)(a) to (j) do not limit each other.

Rules made for the purposes of paragraph (1)(i) must specify the legislative power or powers of the Parliament in respect of which the rules are made.

The functions of the Secretary under this Act may be performed within or outside Australia.

The Secretary has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of the Secretary’s functions under this Act.

The Secretary’s powers include, but are not limited to, the following powers:

the power to make, enter into, vary and administer arrangements, contracts, agreements and deeds;

the power to engage contractors and consultants.