Interpreters
If you don’t speak or understand English well or have a hearing and/or speech impairment, there are interpreting services that can help you when interacting with the Magistrates' Court.
An interpreter can help you understand information and participate in the court process.
Court interpreters must be accredited and repeat the exact words spoken or signed by each person. Court interpreters cannot give you legal advice or opinions.
Organising an interpreter for when you come to Court
The Magistrates' Court can organise an Auslan interpreter upon request. Contact the Magistrates' Court where the matter is being heard.
Help with communicating in a language other than English
The Magistrates’ Court may be able to arrange an interpreter if you are:
- an accused person charged with a criminal offence
- an applicant, affected family member or respondent in a family violence intervention order matter
- an applicant in a Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) matter.
Contact the Magistrates' Court to confirm an interpreter booking.
The Magistrates’ Court is not able to make arrangements for an interpreter and is not responsible for the costs of any service if:
- you are involved in a civil matter
- you are attending court for any application under the Road Safety Act 1986, such as licence eligibility or interlock removal applications
- you are a witness and need an interpreter. If this applies to you, tell the person who asked you to come to court that you need an interpreter. It is their responsibility to arrange an interpreter for you
- the court needs documents translated. You may need to arrange and provide translations yourself.
To find accredited translators and interpreters to help you when attending court, visit the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters website.
How do I contact a Magistrates’ Court?
Interpreter assistance over the phone
If you need an interpreter to help you contact a Magistrates’ Court, call 2M Language Services on (03) 7036 7578. They are available Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
You will need to tell the operator the phone number of the Magistrates’ Court you need to contact.
An operator from 2M Language Services will connect you with a qualified interpreter who will help you when speaking to the court.
Your interpreter will then call the court you need to contact and stay on the line with you to make sure you understand everything that is being said.
National Relay Service (NRS)
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment and would like to contact a Magistrates’ Court, call the National Relay Service (NRS).
TTY users: call 133 677, and give the phone number of the Magistrates’ Court you need to contact
Speak and listen users: call 1300 555 727, then give the Magistrates’ Court phone number.
See the NRS website for more information and contact options.
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