This bill became law on Apr 8th, 2026.
Immigration, border & security
The Act gives TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. an express statutory basis inside the Department of Home Affairs, so the Secretary can provide or arrange translating and interpreting services for Commonwealth services and, under arrangements, state and territory services.
The bill was introduced to put TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs.’s longstanding translating and interpreting services on a clear statutory footing. Official materials say it supports existing services, fee charging, service arrangements and future rules without changing how TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. is funded or delivered.
The bill sits in the long history of Commonwealth language services, from post-war migration support to telephone interpreting and modern TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. services. The 2026 parliamentary debate was mostly supportive, with Senate amendments pressing for broader language-access and workforce commitments.
The main objections were not to the core bill, which passed with broad support, but to what it left out: stronger language-access commitments, workforce safeguards and First Nations interpreting recognition.
Anne Aly, Minister for Multicultural Affairs introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 08 Apr 2026
Final passage
Passed without a counted vote
4 recorded amendment or procedural votes were found, but no counted vote on the bill itself was recorded.
Passage speed
133 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
The Act gives TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. an express statutory basis inside the Department of Home Affairs, so the Secretary can provide or arrange translating and interpreting services for Commonwealth services and, under arrangements, state and territory services.
Its stated objects are to continue and expand Commonwealth translating and interpreting services, support government functions, and improve access to key services for people with limited English language proficiencyA practical description for people who need language assistance to understand or communicate in English, especially in complex settings such as health, legal or government services..
The Secretary can enter into and manage service arrangements, engage contractors or consultants, and develop, train and support translators and interpreters for the Act's functions.
The Act allows cost-recovery fees for services, but a fee cannot amount to a tax; the explanatory memorandum says fees are usually paid by the agency or organisation using the service, not individual members of the public.
The Act preserves earlier service arrangements and lets the Minister make disallowable rules about translating and interpreting functions, while ruling out rules that create offences, impose taxes, or directly amend the Act.
The Secretary has the following functions: to provide, or arrange for the provision of, translating and interpreting services to the Commonwealth... to a State or a Territory... under an arrangement with the State or Territory.Translating and Interpreting Services Act 2026 final Act text
The objects of this Act are... to continue and expand the translating and interpreting service... to provide for translating and interpreting services to support equitable access to key services for people with limited English language proficiency.Translating and Interpreting Services Act 2026 final Act text
The Secretary’s powers include... the power to make, enter into, vary and administer arrangements, contracts, agreements and deeds; the power to engage contractors and consultants... to develop, train and support translators and interpreters.Translating and Interpreting Services Act 2026 final Act text
The proposed legislation would provide an express statutory basis for the Secretary to charge fees... on a 'user pays', cost recovery basis... Fees are not generally charged to individual members of the public.Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025 explanatory memorandum
The Commonwealth is taken to have had... the power to make, vary or administer that arrangement... the rules may not... create an offence or civil penalty... impose a tax... directly amend the text of this Act.Translating and Interpreting Services Act 2026 final Act text
Context
The bill sits in the long history of Commonwealth language services, from post-war migration support to telephone interpreting and modern TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. services. The 2026 parliamentary debate was mostly supportive, with Senate amendments pressing for broader language-access and workforce commitments.
Commonwealth translation services begin
The explanatory memorandum says Commonwealth translating services began after the Second World War migration program created demand for language services.
Explanatory memorandum ↗Telephone interpreting becomes a core service
The Department established a Telephone Interpreting Service for people with limited English language proficiencyA practical description for people who need language assistance to understand or communicate in English, especially in complex settings such as health, legal or government services., later extended to non-government agencies.
Explanatory memorandum ↗Legal authority concerns shape debate
Several government speakers said Australian Government Solicitor advice was that TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. required express legislative authority, while the opposition pointed to earlier audit concerns about authority for charging fees.
House second-reading debate ↗Government introduces statutory TIS framework
Anne Aly introduced the bill, saying it would provide a clear legislative framework for TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. while leaving service delivery and funding arrangements unchanged.
Minister’s second-reading speech ↗Senate rejects broader amendment proposals
The Senate defeated statements and amendments on Multicultural Framework ReviewA 2024 review referred to in a Greens amendment, which the amendment said should be implemented for translation services. implementation, language access, First Nations interpreting services and workforce standards, then passed the bill.
Senate division records ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Members debated the bill in principle before the chamber decided whether to keep considering it.
The House sent the bill to the Federation Chamber for further second-reading debate.
Referred to Federation Chamber
Members debated the bill in principle before the chamber decided whether to keep considering it.
Second reading debate
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The Federation Chamber returned the bill to the House after debate, so the House could complete its remaining stages.
Reported from Federation Chamber
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe formal approval that turns a bill passed by both houses into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main objections were not to the core bill, which passed with broad support, but to what it left out: stronger language-access commitments, workforce safeguards and First Nations interpreting recognition.
Government and opposition speakers supported the bill as a statutory framework for existing services. The Senate defeated all proposed amendments and passed the bill without amendment.
Broader language access framework
Senator Fatima Payman’s second-reading amendmentA proposed change to the Senate’s statement on whether to read the bill a second time. It usually records a view or call to action rather than changing the bill text. argued that interpreter access is essential to healthcare, justice and government services, and called for a national language access and workforce sustainability framework.
Workforce pay and procurement
Australia’s Voice proposed committee amendments on employment status, minimum engagement standards, annual indexation, procurement rules, credential requirements and a language services workforce code.
First Nations interpreting services
A Greens second-reading amendmentA proposed change to the Senate’s statement on whether to read the bill a second time. It usually records a view or call to action rather than changing the bill text. said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander translating and interpreting services should be independently recognised, strengthened and led by First Nations community-controlled organisations and practitioners.
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Recorded amendment and procedural votes grouped by chamber. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
Senate
Moved by David Shoebridge (Australian Greens). Defeated 12 to 33. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, One Nation, and UAP.
The vote left the bill’s second-reading motion without this Greens statement about TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. capacity and NAATIThe national body referred to in amendments as responsible for translator and interpreter accreditation and workforce quality. funding.
Moved by Fatima Payman (Australia's Voice). Defeated 12 to 32. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, One Nation, and UAP.
The bill continued without this Australia’s Voice statement about interpreter access, workforce security and procurement pressure.
Moved by Larissa Waters (Australian Greens). Defeated 12 to 31. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, One Nation, and UAP.
The vote left the bill’s second-reading motion without this Greens statement on First Nations controlled interpreting services.
Moved by Fatima Payman (Australia's Voice). Defeated 12 to 32. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, One Nation, and UAP.
The bill passed without the proposed Part 2A framework for Commonwealth-funded translating and interpreting services.
These are amendment votes, not the final passage vote on the bill itself. The bill passed both chambers on the voices.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Anne Aly said the bill would give TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. a clear statutory foundation without changing how the service is provided or funded, and emphasised its role in multicultural access, emergency communication and settlement support.
Read in Hansard ↗Tim Wilson said the opposition supported the bill because language support helps new Australians participate economically and socially, while also stressing the importance of social integration.
Read in Hansard ↗Julian Hill backed the bill as putting TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. on sound legal footing and linked language services to equal access, while noting workforce and procurement issues should be examined separately.
Read in Hansard ↗Alice Jordan-Baird supported the bill as a way to strengthen TIS NationalThe Commonwealth translating and interpreting service operated within the Department of Home Affairs. and ensure people with limited English can access key services while learning English over time.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
12 speakers · 12 support
“The Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025 does put TIS National on a sound constitutional and legal footing, and that's really important.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill will establish a statutory framework for the translating and interpreting services provided by TIS National within the Department of Home Affairs.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill provides a clear and enduring statutory framework for the essential services delivered by TIS National.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It follows advice from the Australian Government Solicitor that says TIS National requires express legislative authority.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The purpose of this bill is to establish express legislative authority within the Department of Home Affairs for the services TIS National provides.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This Bill does not seek to change the way in which the services of TIS National are provided or funded. It will simply provide a clear legislative framework.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill does exactly that.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Up till now, these translating and interpreting services have been delivered by successive Australian governments without explicit legislative authority... This bill fixes that.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on and support the Translating and Interpreting Services Bill today because translating and interpreting services have always held a special place in Australia's story.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill provides a clear statutory framework for TIS National's essential services, and I commend it to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill does not seek to change the way in which the services of TIS National are provided or funded. It will simply provide a clear legislative framework for the services.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In 2024, advice provided by the Australian Government Solicitor, the AGS, advised that TIS National required express legislative authority.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
2 speakers · 2 support
“That's the basis on which I support this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The opposition supports the Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025. This legislation is technical and administrative.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 mixed
“although we must have a mechanism to assist people who struggle with English, the absolute emphasis must be on speaking English.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
Members debated the bill in principle before the chamber decided whether to keep considering it.
House · Referred to Federation Chamber
Referred to Federation Chamber
The House sent the bill to the Federation Chamber for further second-reading debate.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
Members debated the bill in principle before the chamber decided whether to keep considering it.
House · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Reported from Federation Chamber
Reported from Federation Chamber
The Federation Chamber returned the bill to the House after debate, so the House could complete its remaining stages.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe formal approval that turns a bill passed by both houses into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
