Real Estate Interpreting Pilot Helps Migrants

Real Estate Interpreting Pilot Helps Migrants

13 November 2009

A new national pilot program will provide free telephone interpreting to participating real-estate agents to help house new migrants, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), through its Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National), is piloting an extension of free telephone interpreting services to selected real estate agents around Australia.

"The Australian Government is aware of the particular challenges faced by migrant and humanitarian entrants in securing housing," Mr Ferguson said.

"A key factor is the limited English skills of many new arrivals. Access to free interpreting services will provide valuable support that will enable real estate agents to communicate more readily with these clients.

"Secure housing is an important foundation for fully participating in Australian society.

"I am excited about this initiative and the opportunity for positive partnerships between the government and non-government sectors in supporting the settlement of new arrivals to Australia."

The pilot is linked to 13 housing-related projects being delivered under the department's Settlement Grants Program (SGP) in locations of high migrant and humanitarian settlement.

Project locations include the Blacktown area in Sydney, south-east Perth and outer south- east Melbourne. Linking the pilot with these housing projects supports recently arrived migrants and humanitarian entrants in areas where assistance is most needed.

The outcomes of the pilot will be used to evaluate a possible broader service extension, taking account of national settlement patterns and identified needs.

Further information about TIS National can be found at www.immi.gov.au/living-in- australia/help-with-english/help_with_translating/ or by calling 1300 655 820.

Media Contact Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935

SOURCE: Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs