Bills — Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025; Limitation of Debate

Senate · 1 Apr 2026 · 11:45
Not passed by a modest majority
12
Yes (ayes)
31
No (noes)
The question is that the amendment on sheet 3767 standing in the name of Senator Waters be agreed to.

See it for yourself

This vote was on this bill. Read the official text:
Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025
Government bill (Labor), introduced in the House
Portfolio: Home Affairs
Read the law (PDF) ›
Act No. 40 of 2026 as passed, Federal Register of Legislation
Read the bill (PDF) ›
Bill as passed by both Houses, aph.gov.au
Explanatory memorandum (PDF) ›
The government's explanation of the bill, aph.gov.au
Official Hansard record (PDF) ›
Senate, 1 Apr 2026. The division is at 11:45. Parliament of Australia
Official documents from aph.gov.au and legislation.gov.au, checked 21 October 2026.

What was debated in Parliament

Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill creates a new law that sets out the jobs of the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) in the Department of Home Affairs. Speakers said it does not change how the service works or is funded, but gives it a clear legal basis after government legal advice. Both major parties supported it, and the debate also covered English language skills and multiculturalism.
Arguments made in support
Government members said TIS National helps people with limited English deal with doctors, courts, police and emergency services.
The Coalition supported the bill as technical, saying it fixes an Auditor-General finding about the legal basis for charging fees.
Government speakers said a clear law reduces legal risk, which they linked to lessons from the robodebt royal commission.
Several members said professional interpreters mean children no longer have to interpret for their parents in sensitive situations.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Barnaby Joyce did not oppose the service but argued the main focus should be on migrants learning English, and called for English rules for public servants.
The Greens moved Senate motions calling for a core TIS workforce of public servants, more funding for interpreter accreditation, and First Nations-led interpreting services.
Australia's Voice proposed changes on interpreter pay, job security, qualifications and a national language access framework.
24 speeches by 18 members in the House and Senate over 4 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 26 Nov 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 4 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 5 Feb 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 1 Apr 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Every recorded vote on Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025
›

How each party voted

Labor
0 Yes
23 No
6–
Greens
9 Yes
0 No
One Nation
0 Yes
3 No
1–
Liberal
0 Yes
3 No
17–
Independent
1 Yes
0 No
1–
UAP
0 Yes
1 No
Nationals
0 Yes
0 No
3–
CLP
0 Yes
0 No
1–
LNP
0 Yes
0 No
2–
Lambie
0 Yes
0 No
1–
Australia's Voice
0 Yes
0 No
1–
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
3 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.

No rebels

Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.
Source: Hansard, Senate, 1 Apr 2026
Parliament of Australia, via OpenAustralia Foundation · checked 14 October 2026