Interpreter Services
The Court aims to provide access to justice for people who are unable to effectively communicate in English.
Upon request received from a party or their legal representative, the Court will arrange for and pay the costs of interpreter services for a person with limited English fluency or a hearing impairment for the following purposes:-
- Proceedings in Court
- Court conferences
- Appointments with a Family Consultant
- When obtaining information from Court staff (either by telephone or in person) relating to the practice or procedures of the Court or related information concerning the functions or operation of the Court.
The Judicial Officer dealing with a matter shall retain a discretion to determine if an interpreter is to be used and whether the interpreter is acceptable.
Requesting an interpreter
Parties or their legal representatives can request an interpreter in two ways:-
When eLodging an application – make sure the “Interpreter required” box is ticked and the appropriate interpreter language is selected.
Interpreter Request Form – complete all the details on the Interpreter Request Form (see downloads below), sign it, scan it then eLodge it on the eCourts Portal of Western Australia.
It is suggested that requests be made as soon as possible after the hearing date is notified to ensure an appropriate interpreter for that language is available.
As soon as a trial date is allocated, a party requiring interpreter services at the trial should complete an Interpreter Request Form (see above) so the Interpreter Bookings Officer can make arrangements for an interpreter to attend at the trial. The trial may be delayed or adjourned if an interpreter is not requested and available.
| For queries about interpreter requests contact the Interpreter Bookings Officer by email to interpreters.familycourt@justice.wa.gov.au |
Court will arrange interpreters
The Court will arrange for interpreters through accredited interpreter agencies listed on the WA Government common use arrangements list (CUAITS2017).
The Court will always arrange for the services of NAATI certified interpreters. In cases where the agency cannot provide a NAATI certified interpreter, a non-certified interpreter may be used for face-to face or telephone interpreting at the discretion of the Judicial Officer or Court Officer dealing with the matter.
The Court will not meet the costs of any interpreter that is not arranged by the Court, nor will the Court accept responsibility for the cost of interpreter services related to instructing lawyers.
Indigenous interpreters
In respect to non-NAATI accredited indigenous interpreters, payment may be made at the discretion of the Court.
Overseas witnesses
Where a witness from outside Australia provides evidence to the Court via a telephone or video link, the Court will not authorise the costs of any related interpreter services unless the services are provided in Australia.
Divorce proceedings
For undefended divorce proceedings, the assistance of a friend to act as interpreter is encouraged and will be sufficient for those proceedings.
Interpreters need their attendance at Court verified
Interpreters who attend the Court require verification of their attendance to be given on a voucher or a mobile phone app, which they should present for signature and/or verification by a Court Officer at the Court before they lodge it with the accredited agency to receive payment for their services.
Interpreter services - availability issues
The Court cannot guarantee that the services of an interpreter in a particular language/dialect will always be available at a specific court event. The Court uses a number of accredited interpreter agencies listed on the WA Government common use arrangements list (CUAITS2017). These services are subject to supply and demand variations for qualified interpreters at any given time.
When the services of a NAATI certified face-to-face interpreter are not available, the Judicial Officer or Court Officer has discretion to accept telephone interpreting or interpreting by an uncertified interpreter.
If an interpreter is no longer required
If an interpreter is no longer required for a specific hearing date because the matter has settled or the hearing date vacated or any other reason, please immediately notify the Interpreter Bookings Officer via email to interpreters.familycourt@justice.wa.gov.au.
Feedback about interpreter services
The Court welcomes feedback about interpreter services. Feedback and suggestions about interpreter services can be sent to the Interpreter Bookings Officer via email to interpreters.familycourt@justice.wa.gov.au.
Last updated: 16-Sep-2021
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