The Department of Human Services (DHS) has developed a new video conferencing app that can link up hard of hearing customers with a remote Auslan interpreter when attending a DHS service centre for Medicare, aged care, Centrelink or any other departmental inquiries.

Called Express Plus Connect, the technology is being trialled at 33 departmental sites around the country in partnership with Deaf Services Queensland, which has run an Auslan video remote interpreting (VRI) service called Auslan Connections for some years.

The project was recently recognised as a winner in the department's Pinnacle Achievement Awards, part of the formal National Awards and Honours Programme which recognises outstanding staff achievements among its 35,000-strong workforce.

Project Director Mike Armstrong said this was a breakthrough in harnessing technology to innovate the way the department delivers Centrelink services.

"We've been able to pilot the technology in partnership with Deaf Services Queensland to connect Auslan interpreters with deaf customers without the need for travel," Mr Armstrong said.

"In the past it would have taken weeks to book in an Auslan interpreter to travel to one of our sites, but with the Express Plus Connect technology it only takes 20 minutes."

Project Officer Melissa Ryan said that the videoconferencing technology meant fewer barriers for service delivery.

"The Express Plus Connect project has been focusing on how we can overcome some of the geographical limitations of face to face service delivery through technological innovation," Ms Ryan said.

“Videoconferencing through Express Plus Connect means it will be possible for our staff who are situated across the country, to help those who need it most, regardless of where they’re from.”

Deaf Services Queensland CEO Brett Casey said the partnership between their Auslan Connections division and the department will have a positive impact for deaf Australians.

"We're proud to partner with the department to deliver this service, which has now placed the Deaf community at an equal standing in the broader community and has already assisted the lives of many Deaf people across the country," Mr Casey said.

"We commend the department for their innovation and for ensuring equality in service provision to the Deaf community."

There are instructions on how to use Express Plus Connect  through The Department of Human Services YouTubechannel.

To view more on  how the department can assist customers with a hearing impairment or disability, visit humanservices.gov.au/disability or to see how Deaf Services Queensland can assist go to http://www.deafservicesqld.org.au/