Interpreter services

Information about interpreters is available on our interpreter webpage.

Call 2M Language Services on 03 7003 5493 orTranslationz on 02 5120 0022 to access more than 160 language interpreters by phone and ask to be connected to the area you need at the ACT Courts and Tribunal.

Our staff will telephone an approved interpreter service and request an interpreter on your behalf.

If you need an interpreter during proceedings, please tell the ‘responsible agency’ as early as possible and let them know of your needs. The contact details for agencies responsible for booking interpreters for court and tribunal proceedings is available on our interpreter webpage.

Assistance whilst at the ACT Courts

If you have any special needs, please contact the ACT Courts and Tribunal outlining your circumstances prior to attending court.

Issue	Contact	Section	Telephone	Email
Specific needs	Disability Liaison Officer	Court and Tribunal Support	(02) 6207 4493	disability@courts.act.gov.au
Security Screening	Security Manager	Sheriffs Office	6207 1171	sheriffs@courts.act.gov.au

Pre-hearing tours for people with diverse language or communication needs

If you have language or communication needs, and would like support before your hearing, you are welcome to arrange a pre‑hearing tour. This tour can help you understand how to navigate the building and discuss the best ways for you to engage and participate on the day.

To arrange a tour, please contact our Disability Liaison Officer on (02) 6207 4493 or email disability@courts.act.gov.au to arrange a tour.

Multicultural liaison officers and support services

If you have any cultural, language, or support needs, please tell your legal representative or support service. You, or your support service can also contact us to discuss your needs using the contact numbers listed above.

Information about arranging interpreters for court proceedings can be found on our interpreter webpage.

Protection from violence

The ACT Magistrates Court has introduced several measures to help culturally diverse community members access protection from family violence.

These include

• a video that explains the protection order process
• brochures translated into 20 different languages.

You can find information about seeking protection from violence at www.courts.act.gov.au/protection.

Inclusive Practice at the Courts

The ACT Courts and Tribunal is committed to the principle of ‘access to justice’.

Examples of our inclusive practice include:

• facilitating access to interpreter services where appropriate – see our interpreter webpage for further details;
• accommodating meal and prayer requirements for those undertaking jury service;
• supporting witnesses to name their recognised god when making an oath – see schedule 2 of the Oaths and Affirmations Act 1984;
• providing a multi-faith room on the ground floor of the courts building;
• providing information in several community languages explaining how to apply for, and respond to, a personal protection or family violence protection order – see translated factsheets;
• providing information in several community languages explaining how to come to courts - see translated factsheets;
• considering cultural attitudes and spiritual beliefs when making decisions in coronial processes - for example, what kind of examination of the deceased person is required and whether an invasive autopsy is necessary – see section 17A of the Coroners Act 1997;
• providing training to our staff to improve their cultural awareness and competency;
• using the national interpreter symbol on our websites.

Improving our services

Use of the National Interpreter Symbol

The Interpreter Symbol is a national public information symbol endorsed by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

The symbol provides a simple way of indicating where people with limited or no English proficiency can ask for an interpreter when using government and other services.

The ACT Courts and Tribunal uses the symbol on our websites and in other multi-media to alert court and tribunal users to the availability of interpreters.

Cultural awareness training for our staff

The ACT Courts and Tribunal has a commitment to provide an inclusive environment for court users.

The ACTCT has developed an on-line training program to raise the cultural awareness of our staff.

The Courts recognise that cultural competency for staff is a journey that is learned over time.

Providing Feedback

If you see an area that we can improve our services, please email your feedback to feedback@courts.act.gov.au .