Interpreters

Booking of Interpreters - Criminal Cases

For criminal proceedings, the requesting party must notify the court no later than 28 days before each listed appearance if an interpreter is required. Where an interpreter is required for a party in a criminal matter, the Court will arrange the interpreter and meet the reasonable cost, in accordance with applicable policy and the national standards. Failure to notify the Court in sufficient time may result in delays or adjournments.

Booking of Interpreters - Civil Cases

In order to assist parties to access appropriately qualified interpreters familiar with court proceedings, the Court can arrange an interpreter at the request of a party in a civil matter using the Court's interpreter service provision arrangements. In civil proceedings, parties are generally responsible for paying the cost of the interpreter.

What is an interpreter?

An interpreter is an independent professional who orally interprets spoken or signed communication from one language to another. The role of an interpreter is to remove the language barrier so that a person can be linguistically present in court proceedings and placed, as far as possible, in the same position as an English-Speaking person. Interpreters are officers of the Court. Their paramount duties are to the Court. They must interpret accurately, impartially, and completely, without adding, omitting, or changing meaning, and must keep all information confidential

The following methods of interpretation are used in the District Court:

• consecutive interpreting (interpreter listens to a speaker, takes notes while listening and then interprets while the speaker pauses) – generally used when interpreting the evidence of a witness;
• simultaneous whispered interpreting (interpreter listens and interprets ongoing statements, with the interpretation usually a few seconds behind the speaker) – generally used to interpret for a party;
• simultaneous AUSLAN interpreting – generally used for deaf or hearing-impaired people; and
• language assistance (where a party or witness does not require an interpreter at all times, but may, from time to time, have difficulty in fully understanding what is being said or inaccurately conveying their response in spoken English).

When an interpreter is needed

Proceedings in the District Court are conducted in English. Where a party or witness cannot adequately understand or communicate in English, or where a person uses Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as their primary language, an interpreter may be required to ensure procedural fairness and access to justice.

National Standards for working with interpreters

The District Court has regard to the Recommended National Standards for Working with Interpreters in Courts and Tribunals (Second Edition, 2022) published by the Judicial Council on Cultural Diversity. These Standards provide nationally recognised best practice guidance on:

• when an interpreter is required
• how interpreters are engaged
• the professional role and obligations of interpreters
• how courts, parties and legal practitioners work effectively with interpreters

The Court strives to adhere to these Standards where possible, recognising that their implementation may be progressive and subject to practical considerations. The Standards are available on the JCCD website: Recommended National Standards for Working with Interpreters in Courts and Tribunals

Interpreting and translating services

The Australian Government's interpreting service can supply telephone or on-site interpreting. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is accessible from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call.

The telephone number is: 131 450. You may also like to refer to the Translating and Interpreting Service page.

Last updated: 29-May-2026

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