Services for culturally and linguistically diverse people
The Courts are committed to providing services to clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Cultural Diversity
Follow the link to view the Family Court of Australia's National Cultural Diversity.
Translation information
If you have difficulty with English and need to attend the Family Law Courts, call 1300 352 000 or your case coordinator (if you have one) to ask for an interpreter to be booked. This service is free.
If you do not already have an application with the Courts but need to make contact with the Family Law Courts, you can get help from a qualified interpreter by contacting Translation and Interpreting Services on 131 450. This service is free.
Translated publications
View a list of translated brochures.
Interpreters Policy
The basic principles of access and equity are that no Court client should be disadvantaged in proceedings before the Court or in understanding the procedures and conduct of Court business, because of a language barrier. The two-way process of communication and understanding between the client and the Court may require that the Court engage an interpreter, or a translator.
The Family Court of Australia has guidelines in place to ensure uniform access to interpreter and translator services.
Services Available
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) is funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and provides a service that facilitates communication between people who do not speak English, and English speakers. TIS can provide both telephone and onsite interpreters. Telephone: 131 450 www.immi.gov.au
It is the responsibility of parties to provide accredited translated copies of foreign documents to the Court. In exceptional circumstances where the Court determines that it is in the interests of the Court to obtain a translation of a document to assist in a Defended Hearing, this should be authorised by a Judicial Officer, and can be arranged and funded in the same way as interpreter services.
The Court may receive correspondence in a foreign language from a litigant or potential litigant. Unless this correspondence clearly fits the category of "nuisance mail", it is the Registry's obligation to meet the cost of translation, in accordance with the basic principle of access and equity outlined in this Policy. Where there is a doubt as to the relevance of, and necessity for a full translation, a general translation may be obtained, which would enable the responsible officer to then decide what further action should be taken.
Accessible Government Services for All
The Accessible Government Service for all framework applies to all government services and contains four principles:- Responsiveness; Communication; Accountability and Leadership. Under this framework, clients from diverse linguistic backgrounds are able to contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) to facilitate telephone contact with the Family Court of Australia. www.immi.gov.au
Code of Ethics
Interpreters and translators engaged by the Family Law Courts are bound at all times to act in accordance with the standards set out in the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) Code of Ethics. AUSIT is the national professional association of interpreting and translation practitioners. General principles of the Code of Ethics include: Professional Conduct; Confidentiality; Competence; Impartiality; Accuracy; Employment; Professional Development and Professional Solidarity. Further information can be obtained from the website: www.ausit.org
Feedback and Complaints
To ensure that Court clients are assisted by high calibre interpreters, clients are encouraged to provide feedback to the Courts on the standard of interpreting and translating services provided.
Where a complaint is made concerning the calibre or use of interpreter services, the Complaints Officer in accordance with standard complaints handling procedures, should handle the complaint.