(Formerly Countrylink Australia)
A Commonwealth Government information Service
Freecall 1800 026 222 or fax (02) 6274 8010
The Commonwealth Regional Information Service (CRIS) is the central contact point in the Commonwealth Government for people living in non-metropolitan Australia. The aim of the freecall phone service is to provide a free and easy way in which to determine who is the right contact in the Commonwealth Government for you and to assist in discovering programmes and services that may be available.
The CRIS free call number is available between 9am and 6pm EST. It is not a complaint line, but is there to help inform rural Australians. CRIS can provide contact details for Commonwealth Government departments, as well as the programmes that they administer. CRIS also runs a number of other services as part of our programme. These include community information stands, and the Grantslink website. The CRIS Travelling Shopfront also attends rural events all over rural and remote Australia.The Commonwealth Regional Information Service also puts out a free guide to Commonwealth programs and services called The Rural Book.
You may order a copy of this free publication through the 1800 number or the email address below. Call us on 1800 026 222 or email cris@dotars.gov.au
Rural Book
The Rural Book provides a comprehensive summary of Commonwealth services and programmes. It is free and can be obtained by calling the Commonwealth Regional Information Service answer line on 1800 026 222. Some of the topics covered include health, education, immigration, transport, business and industry assistance, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and community assistance. A detailed Contacts section provides contact information for the major departments and agencies together with individual contacts for specific programmes.
Answer Line
For quick and easy answers about Commonwealth services, people can call Commonwealth Regional Information Service free of charge from anywhere in Australia on 1800 026 222. The Answer Line is open from 9.00a.m to 6.00p.m (Eastern Standard/Summer Time) Monday to Friday. The Answer Line is not a complaints service but is to help people find out about their entitlements and obligations and to put them in touch with the right person for detailed information.
Community Information Stands
CRIS has over 300 community information stands located around Australia sponsored by community groups. These displays contain printed material from Commonwealth Government departments and agencies, which is distributed free to the public.Community groups wishing to have a display may contact Commonwealth Regional Information Service for further information.
Roadshow
The Commonwealth Regional Information Service “Roadshow’” travels to a number of shows, field days, forums and seminars around Australia. Staff at the “Roadshow” are interested in talking to people and answering questions about Commonwealth Government services and programmes. The “Roadshow” distributes a range of brochures, pamphlets, the Rural Book and Commonwealth Assistance for Local Projects free of charge at these events.
