To help improve access to private allied health services for people with limited English proficiency from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, the Australian Government is delivering a 4-year program (from 2022 to 2026) that provides free interpreting services to 23 allied health professions across 32 local government areas.

The program is funded by the department and is being implemented by the Department of Home Affairs and their Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National).

To inform our findings against the key evaluation questions, we:

• conducted an environmental scan
• analysed program data
• interviewed representatives of relevant peak bodies and professional associations, government department representatives, and other sector stakeholders
• distributed online surveys to allied health professionals (including those who had and had not used the program) and people with limited English proficiency who had used the program.

The evaluation addressed 11 key evaluation questions that examined the current implementation of the program, alternatives to the program, and opportunities for improvement. We also explored the unique needs of individuals with limited English proficiency and CALD communities when accessing interpreting services in an allied health context.

Our findings and recommendations will inform policy and funding decisions for the future implementation of the program.