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National Relay Service

The National Relay Service (NRS) is an Australia-wide phone service for people who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing and/or have speech communication difficulty and people wanting to communicate with them.

How the National Relay Service can help

You can make a phone call through the NRS if you're d/Deaf or find it hard to hear or speak to hearing people on the phone. You can also use the NRS to contact emergency services.

There are a number of relay call options. For a list of relay call options see the NRS section of Accesshub. Things to note about the NRS:

  • The NRS is restricted to use for people who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing and/or have speech communication difficulty and people wanting to communicate with them.
  • If you are d/Deaf, hard of hearing and/or have a speech communication difficulty you need to register to use the NRS.
  • Registration is quick and easy and you only have to register once.
  • Calls can be made through a range of devices including smartphones, other mobile phones, tablets, desktop computers and teletypewriter (TTY).
  • There are no additional charges for making calls through the NRS.
  • All calls through the NRS are relayed through a relay officer, who is the central link in every call and stays on the line to make sure your calls go smoothly.
  • All calls are confidential and user privacy is protected by law.

The NRS Helpdesk

The NRS has a Helpdesk. There are a number of ways to contact the Helpdesk:

  • Call 1800 555 660 Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm AEST (closed on national public holidays)
  • TTY 1800 555 630
  • Fax 1800 555 690
  • SMS 0416 001 350
  • Email: helpdesk@relayservice.com.au
  • POST: PO Box 99, Mount Clear VIC 3350
  • Call through your preferred call channel and ask for 1800 555 660

Programs, apps and tools

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - National Relay Service.

Last reviewed: February 2023

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