Queensland Courts aim to ensure equal access to justice by providing support for people who need interpreters.
This service is for people with limited English, or those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired.
In some cases, the court arranges and pays for the interpreter. In other cases, the party requiring the interpreter must organise one and cover the cost.
The court works with approved providers to ensure interpreters are qualified and reliable.
Criminal case interpreter
If you need an interpreter for a criminal case, submit your request in writing to the court registry where your matter will be heard.
To ensure your request is processed in time, submit your application to the relevant court registry:
- Supreme and District Court : no later than 7 days after the hearing is scheduled or 28 days before the hearing date, whichever is earlier. Include an affidavit specifying the language and dialect (if applicable), where the interpreter may be sourced, and, if the interpreter is for a witness, who will pay the interpreter’s fees and expenses.
- Magistrates Court : no later than 7 days after the hearing is scheduled or 21 days before the hearing date, whichever is earlier.
Sealed copies of the application will be returned to you, with a scheduled hearing date, to serve the application on the other parties.
If the court grants the application, the court will arrange and pay for the interpreter to assist the defendant or accused.
More information
For details, refer to these practice directions:
Civil case interpreter
In civil cases, you must arrange and pay for your own interpreter.
You can find an interpreter by:
- contacting professional interpreting services
- using the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) online directory.
Make sure the interpreter has the right qualifications and experience, especially in legal interpreting, and that they will be neutral and unbiased.
You should contact the court registry if you’re unsure your case is a criminal or civil case.
Domestic and family violence case interpreter
If you’re applying for a domestic and family violence protection order, the court will arrange and pay for an interpreter for your first court appearance (mention date).
Let the court know you need one when submitting your application.
If your application is urgent, the court will try to provide an interpreter, if possible.
If your case requires a second court appearance (hearing date), confirm with the court registry that an interpreter will be available.
More information
For details, refer to Magistrates Court Practice Direction 6 of 2017.
Court registry interpreting services
Court registries offer interpreting services for people with limited English or those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired.
These services are available both at the registry counter and over the phone.
At the counter
If you visit a court registry, staff will arrange an interpreter for free.
To help them organise this quickly, write down the language you need.
If you’re deaf or hearing impaired, staff can contact Deaf Services Queensland to arrange an interpreter, depending on availability.
Over the phone
If you use a text telephone (TTY) machine, you can contact the registry through the National Relay Service (NRS).
This free service lets you communicate with registry staff via an NRS operator.
Headsets for interpreters
Headsets are available at several court locations to help interpreters work effectively.
Headset locations
Headsets are available at these court complexes:
- Brisbane (QEII Courts of Law, Brisbane Magistrates Court, Brisbane Arrest Court, QCAT Brisbane)
- Cairns
- Ipswich
- Mount Isa
- Southport
- Toowoomba
- Townsville.
Reserving a headset
To reserve a headset, interpreters should contact the registry before the court date.
They can test the headset with the help of the court bailiff.
Other locations
For courts not listed, interpreters should ask the registry for a headset at least two weeks before the court date.
If none are available, alternative arrangements can be discussed with the registry.
More information
For detailed guidance, refer to the Guideline for working with interpreters in Queensland courts and tribunals.
