Common questions
Transcripts and recordings
How do I order a transcript?
Online searching for transcripts is not yet available
Statement of Intent
In late 2012, it is anticipated that the online search functionality for searching the transcript repository with online delivery for some transcripts will be made available.
This will include the capacity to pay for transcripts via an online payment gateway.
Until this function is operational, the following two options are available:
- Requests via telephone
- Requests via transcript request form (Magistrates Court or Supreme and District Courts)
Important information to note: requests for Magistrates Court transcripts may be made either directly to the Magistrates Court where the matter was heard, or to the State Reporting Bureau's Transcript Production and Allocation Team.
All Supreme and District Court transcript requests will need to be made directly to the State Reporting Bureau's Transcript Production and Allocation Team.
You may make a transcript request in the following ways:
- Request via telephone
Some transcripts have already been transcribed and may be available for delivery as soon as payment is made. Please telephone Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 4360 to check the particular transcript you are after. If the transcript is available, you do not need to complete a transcript request form.
You will be asked to initially provide the following minimum details to the Transcript Production and Allocation Team in order to identify the particular transcript you are after:
- Date of matter
- Location of courthouse
- Name of party/ies
- Portion of transcript required
If the matter has already been transcribed, you will be advised of the cost of the transcript and can determine whether you wish to proceed with the purchase of the transcript and the process involved.
As a cheaper alternative, you may also consider if an audio recording on CD of the matter is acceptable to you. If so, a CD can be produced within approximately 3-7 days at a cost of $30.00 per hour of recording and you will be able to listen to the court matter. Please note, however, that this option is a sound recording only and it cannot be printed out.
You may not be able to use the audio recording as evidence in court.
You will also be asked to verbally agree to some standard terms and conditions.
If the transcript has not yet been transcribed, you may:
- Decide if you require a transcript or whether an audio recording will meet your need
- Request an estimation for the cost of the transcript to be transcribed
- Request the approximate time frame for the production of the transcript
- Provide the details of your request to the Transcript Production and Allocation Team who will take down the transcript request details and process your request, or,
- Complete a transcript request form at your convenience and submit it to the Transcript Production and Allocation Team.
- Request via transcript request form
- You may choose to complete the appropriate transcript request form located on the Queensland Courts website:
- Telephone the Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 4360 to request a hardcopy form be posted to you.
To submit your Transcript Request form:
First determine if your request is for a Magistrates Court matter, Supreme Court or District Court matter.
- Magistrates Court transcript requests may be made either directly to the Magistrates Court where the matter was heard, or to the State Reporting Bureau's Transcript Production and Allocation Team.
- Supreme Court and District Court transcript requests need to be made directly to the State Reporting Bureau's Transcript Production and Allocation Team.
Your options for submitting your request form are:
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Emailing the completed form electronically to: srb.transcripts@justice.qld.gov.au
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Faxing the form to the Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 3999 Mailing the form to:
Transcript Production and Allocation Team
State Reporting Bureau
PO Box 15167
City East Qld 4002
- Applying in person at the Registry of the Supreme and District Courts (note: for Supreme and District Court matters only) located at:
QE11 Courts of Law Complex
Ground floor
415 George Street
Brisbane Qld 400
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Applying in person at the Magistrates Court where the matter was heard (note: for Magistrates Court matters only)
Contact information including addresses for all courts is available at www.courts.qld.gov.au/contact-us/courthouses or by contacting your local Magistrates Court.
I don't have access to the Internet - can I still request a transcript or audio recording?
If you don't have access to the Internet, please telephone the Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 4360 to process your request over the telephone. You do not need to have access to the Internet to request a transcript.
If your request is for a Magistrates Court matter, you may wish to request the transcript directly through the courthouse where the matter was heard.
You will be asked to provide the following details in order to identify the particular transcript you are after and process the request over the telephone:
- Name of judicial officer
- Name of matter
- Court location
- Court date
- Urgency reason e.g. Appeal (if applicable)
- Relationship to matter
- Portion of proceeding required
- Format option required
- Quotation (if applicable)
- Requestor details
- Terms and conditions (agreement)
- Payment details
If the matter has already been transcribed, you will be advised of the cost of the transcript and can determine whether you wish to proceed with the purchase of the transcript and the process involved. You will also be advised of the approximate timeframe for the production of the transcript. Alternatively, you may decide that an audio recording will meet your needs better.
If the transcript or audio recording has not yet been created, you may also obtain an estimation for the cost of producing a transcript or audio recording, prior to proceeding.
An audio recording on CD of the matter may be an acceptable format for you. If so, a CD can be produced within approximately 3-7 days at a cost of $30 per hour of recording and you will be able to listen to the court matter. Please note, however, that this option is a sound recording only and it cannot be printed out.
You may not be able to use the audio recording as evidence in court, and may still need to arrange for a transcript.
You will also be asked to verbally agree to some standard terms and conditions regarding payment for the transcript or audio recording.
What is the quickest way to receive a transcript or audio recording?
The most efficient way to receive a transcript or audio recording is to either submit your request on our standard request form or telephone the Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 4360 with accurate, clear and complete details, including complete information which includes:
- Name of judicial officer
- Name of matter
- Court location
- Court date
- Urgency reason e.g. Appeal (if applicable)
- Relationship to matter
- Portion of proceeding required
- Format option required
- Quotation (if applicable)
- Requestor details
- Terms and conditions (agreement)
- Payment details
Including a day time contact telephone number will allow a Client Support Officer to contact you should the need arise.
You may also consider if an audio recording on CD of the matter is acceptable to you, instead of a transcript. If so, a CD can be produced within approximately 3-7 days at a cost of $30 per hour of recording and you will be able to listen to the court matter. Please note, however, that this option is a sound recording only and it cannot be printed out.
While you may not be able to use the audio recording as evidence in court, and may still need to have the recording transcribed.
If you also nominate your preferred payment method at the time of lodgement, this will also ensure that your request can be processed more efficiently. Payment by credit card is the most efficient payment method, however, cash and cheques made payable to the State Reporting Bureau is also accepted.
How long will it take to process my transcript or audio recording request?
The Transcript Production and Allocation Team can supply an estimate at the time your request is lodged. Please call the Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 4360 for further information.
My transcript or audio recording request is now needed urgently - how can I escalate my request?
If your request is for an appeal or is required for a future court date, (or is urgent for any other reason) then please state your reason when you request the transcript so that these factors can be taken into account when prioritising your request. Alternatively you can contact the Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 4360 to discuss your specific situation.
What information do I need to provide when ordering a transcript?
Please ensure that allthe information you provide is accurate and complete as it assists the Transcript Production and Allocation Team to locate the correct transcript or audio recording. The minimum information that must be provided to ensure that your request can be processed includes:
a) Transcript Details
- Name of judicial officer
- Name of matter
- Court location
- Court date
- Urgency reason e.g. Appeal (if applicable)
- Relationship to matter
- Portion of proceeding required
- Format option required
- Quotation (if applicable)
- Requestor details
- Terms and conditions (agreement)
- Payment details
When advising what portion of the transcript you are requesting, be very specific in indicating the portion of the transcript you require. This could save you paying for portions of a transcript you don’t require. If you are in doubt about what the components of a transcript are, please refer to the full description and explanation of the different portions of the transcript below, or contact a member of the Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 4360 for further advice and clarification.
b) Requestor details
Complete requestor details are helpful to us. This information includes:
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your name
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firm/department/ agency (if applicable)
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contact details - your daytime contact details are very important in case the Transcript Production and Allocation Team need to contact you to clarify any transcript request details.
c) Payment details
If your request requires payment, you must select your preferred method of paying. The State Reporting Bureau now operates an On Line Payment system that accepts all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diners Card). You can also pay for your transcript by contacting the Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 4360 and providing your credit card details. Cash and cheques made payable to the State Reporting Bureau are also accepted and for Magistrates Court matters, you may make payment at your local Magistrates Courthouse.
What are the portions of a transcript?
The following list identifies the components of a transcript:
Admissions
Transcript of the swearing in of newly appointed Solicitors, Barristers etc
Applications/Chambers
Transcript includes the full application or Chambers hearing from start to finish, excluding any revisable orders which may be made. Separate request form for any orders or decision made.
Bail Application
Transcript includes submissions by counsel regarding bail application, excluding any revisable orders which may be made. Separate request form for any orders or decision made.
Bench Warrant
Transcript includes the submissions made by the Prosecutor and defence counsel in the matter of a Bench Warrant pick-up excluding any revisable order which may be made. Separate request form for any orders or decision made.
Ceremonial/Valedictory
Transcript of a particular special occasion heard in the Supreme/District courts
Decision
Transcript of the decision made by the Magistrate
Evidence of Witness
Transcript includes the full day of the proceedings that the witness gave evidence or was cross-examined
Findings
Transcript of the findings delivered by the Coroner in relation to the Coroners Court inquest
In-camera proceedings
Transcript consists of the in-camera proceedings of a matter, and by its nature is a sealed document available only to the Judiciary or legal representatives.
Industrial
Transcript of Industrial Court matters with status of "release to public and parties" only
Inquest
Transcript of the Coroners Court inquest
Magistrates Court Hearing
transcript of the matter heard in the Magistrates Court including a committal. Separate request form for any orders or decision made.
Mention
Transcript consists of the entirety of the mention of a matter from start to finish.
Orders/Judgment
Transcript consists of the reasons and orders/decisions delivered by the Judge. As these are revised by the Judge prior to release, there may be a delay in the provision of the transcript.
Pre-inquest hearing
Transcript of pre-inquest Coroners Court matter
Pre-recorded evidence
Transcript includes all of the pre-recorded evidence. Restrictions apply to the release of these transcripts to people who are not a party to the matter.
Pre-trial hearing
Transcript includes the entirety of the pre-trial hearing, excluding any revisable orders which may be made. Separate request form for any orders or decision made.
Reviews
Transcript includes the full review hearing from start to finish.
Sentence remarks
Transcript consists of the reasons and decision the Judge makes at the conclusion of a matter. As sentencing remarks or orders are revised by the Judge prior to release, there may be a delay in the provision of the transcript.
Sentence submissions
Transcript consists of arraignment/plea and the submissions made by both the Prosecutor and defence counsel in a matter for sentence. These are not transcribed as a matter of course and a request form is required to be submitted for these.
Summing-up and Verdict
Transcript consists of the full summing-up made by the Judge to the jury at the end of the criminal trial, as well as any re-directions in the matter, where the jury asks the Judge for clarification on points of law and the verdict. As the summing-up is revised by the Judge prior to release, there may be a delay in the provision of the transcript.
Supreme/District Civil Trial/hearing transcript
Transcript includes opening addresses and all evidence heard in the matter only. Does not include closing addresses, order or decision made by Judge. Separate request form for closing addresses and/or decision.
Supreme/District/Criminal Trial/ hearing transcript
Transcript includes the commencement of the matter, arraignment and the entirety of the evidence. The opening and closing addresses made by counsel, summing-up and verdict are not transcribed as a matter of course and a separate request form is required for opening addresses, closing addresses, summing-up and verdict. Transcript also excludes any revisable orders or sentence which may be made and a separate request form is required for any orders or sentence made.
Trial closing-addresses (Civil and Criminal)
Transcript consists of the closing addresses made by either the Prosecutor or defence counsel, or both at trial.
Trial opening-addresses (Criminal)
Transcript consists of the opening addresses made by either the Prosecutor or defence counsel, or both at trial.
Verdict
See Summing-up
Will I receive my transcript or audio recording any quicker if I submit another request?
Please do not submit multiple requests for the same transcript request. Not only do you risk the possibility that a duplicate request will be generated but you may be charged twice for the transcript. Where possible, please always allow reasonable processing timeframes when submitting your request to avoid delays.
At what stage is my transcript request?
We appreciate that you require your completed transcript to be received in the quickest time available. However, always allow a minimum of 10 working days from the date you submit the request before making any follow-up enquiries, unless you wish to escalate your request to urgent status. This time frame enables the request to be processed and the status tracked.
What is the difference between a 'delayed' and a 'daily' transcript?
All transcript requests submitted after the court date has occurred are classed as ‘delayed’ requests. The only time a transcript request may be available on the same day is if the matter is being heard in a court that is receiving a daily transcript.
Please note: Not all Courts sitting on a particular day will be a classed as a ‘daily transcribing’ court.
Am I using the correct terminology when ordering a transcript?
Please refer to the full description and explanation of the different portions of the transcript above, or contact a member of the Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 4360 for further advice and clarification.
What format is a transcript or audio recording available in?
The State Reporting Bureau can provide a transcript or audio recording to you in the following formats:
Transcript
- Electronic copy in Microsoft office Word (2003) (ie email)
- Paper (hardcopy)
- Text CD - this is a Microsoft Word copy of the transcript that can be viewed and read.
Audio recording
- Audio CD/MP3 - this is an audio or sound recording of a matter on a CD that can be played back and listened to.
- Cassette
Please note: some formats are subject to availability depending on the original medium used to record the matter and the technology to reproduce it.
How do I make an application for financial hardship?
All fees for the provision of a transcript are subject to and determined by the ‘Recording of Evidence Regulation 2008’.
For criminal matters heard in the Supreme and District Courts, a defendant or their legal representative is entitled to one free copy of the transcript for the proceedings.
There are also other exceptions which are based on legislative guidelines which are outlined in the Recording of Evidence Regulation 2008.
You can apply to the Director of the State Reporting Bureau to have these fees waived if you believe you are suffering financial hardship and cannot afford to make the payment for a transcript.
Please send your request for a fee waiver with your transcript request form as well as documentary evidence in support of your application to:
Director
State Reporting Bureau
Queensland Courts
PO Box 15167
City East Qld 4002
All fee waiver applications are individually assessed. Please note that a fee waiver relates only to a particular transcript and only one copy of a transcript may be provided if a waiver of fees is granted.
Should you require further transcripts in the future, then a new application must be made for each subsequent transcript order as each application is determined on its merit at the time the application is made.
How do I find out about the entitlement for free transcripts?
A transcript may be provided free of charge In the following circumstances:
- A defendant or their legal representative in a criminal proceeding in the Supreme or District Court is entitled to one free copy of a transcript.
- An applicant for compensation under the Criminal Offences Victims Act 1995 is entitled to one free copy of the sentencing remarks.
- The Government Assessor under the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 is entitled to one free copy of the existing transcript or free electronic access to the audio recording.
- A party to an Industrial proceeding as their representative is entitled to one free copy of a transcript if the transcript has been issued to the Industrial Registry.
Does the State Reporting Bureau invoice for transcripts?
The State Reporting Bureau is currently reviewing its business practices in regard to the maintaining of accounts and raising of invoices.
Does the cost of a transcript include GST?
No. Transcripts provided by the State Reporting Bureau are GST exempt.
Can I cancel my transcript or audio recording request once I have lodged it?
Unfortunately, the cancellation of a request can only be accepted up to the point of any work being done to produce the transcript or audio recording.
If the Bureau has incurred costs at the time cancellation is requested then you are liable for payment of the transcript or audio recording.
If a request has been lodged and no processing has occurred, then the transcript or audio recording request may be able to be cancelled without costs being incurred.
You will notice the terms and conditions on the bottom of the request form that applies when lodging a transcript request, or alternatively, you would have agreed to these conditions verbally over the phone before proceeding with a telephone request.
Can all transcripts be supplied?
Some transcripts can not be released by order of the judge, or access to the transcript is restricted. Under these circumstances, these transcripts cannot be provided.
If you require further information about restricted transcripts, please contact the Transcript Production and Allocation Team on (07) 3247 4360.