The Video Relay Service (VRS) will have longer opening hours.
This change follows the Federal government’s recent funding announcement. It is part of a planned move to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service, including access to emergency services in Auslan.
The new hours will be introduced in 4 stages. This will help the service grow and give interpreters time to prepare for the new 24/7 service model.
New VRS hours
Stage 1
- Monday to Friday hours will extend until midnight
Stage 2
- Saturday and Sunday hours will begin
- Weekend hours will be 8:00 am to midnight (AEST)
Stage 3
- Monday to Friday service will be available 24 hours a day
Stage 4
- Saturday and Sunday will also be available 24 hours a day
- VRS will be fully 24/7
Emergency Services in Auslan
Emergency services in Auslan are only available during VRS operating hours.
Right now, the platform cannot identify or prioritise emergency calls.
As VRS hours increase in each stage, access to emergency services in Auslan will also increase.
When the new platform is fully available and VRS runs 24/7, you will be able to contact emergency services in Auslan at any time, day or night.
Need help?
Contact the NRS Helpdesk if you have questions. Helpdesk is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (AEST). If you are outside these hours, you can leave a message, and a Helpdesk staff member will get back to you to work through your query.
Information on how to contact the Helpdesk is available here: https://www.accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs/nrs-helpdesk
The video below has no sound. It provides an Auslan translation of this information.