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 an interpreter/s has to travel greater than 100km (round trip) a travel charge applies. Travel time is charged at the hourly interpreting rate from the time the interpreter starts their trip to the assignment location until they arrive at their final destination. Kilometres are charged at $0.74c per km travelled. Kilometres are calculated using Google Maps from the interpreter location to the assignment address.

Travel expenses:
Additional to section 4 above:

• For assignments within the Sydney metropolitan area, fees charged are inclusive of travelling expenses.
• Where an interpreter/s has to travel greater than 100km (round trip) a travel charge applies. Travel time is charged at the hourly interpreting rate from the time the interpreter starts their trip to the assignment location until they arrive at their final destination. Kilometres are charged at $0.74c per km travelled. Kilometres are calculated using Google Maps from the interpreter location to the assignment address.
• Preference is given to interpreters who live in the region of a job, and a travel allowance will be paid only if the Interpreting Service Officer is unable to fill a job with a local interpreter.
• Kilometres are calculated using Google Maps from the interpreter location to the assignment address.

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
SLC NSW (and the Deaf Society of NSW as a whole) 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.

Notetaking Fee
The cost of notetaking is $44.00 per hour for a minimum of 2 hours.

Cancellation charges will apply if less than five working days notice is provided.

Travel expenses:

• For assignments within the Sydney metropolitan area, fees charged are inclusive of travelling expenses.
• For notetakers travelling outside the Sydney metropolitan area, a charge of $0.74 per kilometre is payable where the notetaker must travel a distance of greater than 100km for the round journey. The notetaker’s travel time is also charged at the hourly notetaking rate.
• Preference is given to notetakers who live in the region of a job, and a travel allowance will be paid only if the Interpreting Service Officer is unable to fill a job with an appropriate local notetaker.
• Kilometres are calculated using Google Maps from the interpreter location to the assignment address.

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.