1. All rates are per hour and include GST. Fees are charged in increments of 30 minutes. For example, where an interpreter works two hours and 20 minutes, the charge will be for 2.5 hours.
2. There is a minimum charge of two hours per interpreter.
3. In accordance with occupational health and safety and quality assurance requirements, two interpreters are normally required for assignments of two hours or longer.
4. Where there are two consecutive assignments at the same location on the same day, if the break between assignments is of two hours duration or less, the fee will reflect the time from the commencement of the first assignment until the completion of the second assignment. Where the interpreter has had to travel a distance of greater than 100km (round trip), the fee will reflect the time from the commencement of the first assignment until the completion of the second assignment, regardless of the length of the break between the two assignments.

Travel expenses:
Additional to section 4 above:

• For assignments within the Sydney metropolitan area, fees charged are inclusive of travelling expenses.
• For interpreters travelling outside the Sydney metropolitan area, a charge of $0.57 per kilometre is payable where the interpreter must travel a distance of greater than 100km for the round journey. The interpreter’s travel time is also charged at the hourly interpreting rate.
• Preference is given to interpreters who live in the region of a job, and a travel allowance will be paid only if the Interpreting Services Officer is unable to fill a job with a local interpreter.

If an interpreter is required to travel by air, these expenses are the responsibility of the organisation requesting the interpreter.

Parking is not ordinarily charged to the client. However, in some circumstances this may be negotiated.

Meal expenses:
The following meal charges may be applied where interpreters are required to stay overnight for work related purposes (e.g. country travel and conferences).

These charges are not applied where meals are provided (i.e. at a conference). 

Interpreting Fee

* Deaf Organisation refers to non-government, not-for-profit organisations and groups which directly involve and support the Deaf community.
** Subject to system compatibility with the Sign Language Communications NSW’s VRI equipment.

Cost of Interpreting Service Provision
The Deaf Society supports the principle that Deaf people should receive the same level of service as any other person and should not have to pay for Auslan interpreting themselves.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992), training providers, employers and service providers must provide access for people with disabilities, including Deaf people. This legislation also covers access to premises and accommodation, as well as goods and facilities.

Memorandum Number 98/22 from the Premier of NSW states that all organisations which receive funding from any NSW Government department must budget for the cost of interpreting services.

For more information about obligations to provide Auslan interpreting, click here.

Advocacy
If you are experiencing difficulties with access or feel that you are being discriminated against, the Deaf Society can help you.

For information about the rights and responsibilities of people who are Deaf, click here.

Service providers are also required to adhere to legislation. For more information, click here. 

For more information about the Deaf Society Advocacy Service, click here.