Interpreters at SAT

Listen

To ensure the availability of an interpreter, make sure you ask for an interpreter as soon as you can before a hearing either when you make the application or once you receive notice by filling out the form below:

Interpreter Request Form (PDF)

The following methods of interpretation are used in SAT:

consecutive interpreting (interpreter listens to a speaker, takes notes while listening and then interprets while the speaker pauses) – generally used when interpreting the evidence of a witness;
simultaneous whispered interpreting (interpreter listens and interprets ongoing statements, with the interpretation usually a few seconds behind the speaker) – generally used to interpret for a party;
simultaneous AUSLAN interpreting – generally used for deaf or hearing impaired people; and
language assistance (where a party or witness does not require an interpreter at all times, but may, from time to time, have difficulty in fully understanding what is being said or inaccurately conveying their response in spoken English).

Definitions of key terms used in the tribunal are contained in the following document:

Key Terms for Interpreters - Tribunal Users (PDF)

Who organises and pays for an interpreter?

If SAT considers that a party or witness:

whose first language is a language other than English, or
who is deaf or hearing impaired,

requires the assistance of an interpreter to be able to take part in a SAT hearing or to give evidence, SAT will arrange for an appropriate interpreter to attend the hearing and will pay the cost charged by the interpreter.

SAT can also arrange for an interpreter to assist a party or witness that attends SAT, and requires such assistance, by telephone conference subject to availability.

Guardianship and Administration (GAA) Matters

The SAT application form invites the applicant to indicate whether anyone attending the hearing will need an interpreter and what language or dialect they speak. SAT staff will also contact the applicant before the hearing to confirm if there is a need for an interpreter.

SAT staff also check the Medical Report, Service Providers Report, and the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) Report (if available) to assess whether an interpreter is required.

The notice of hearing sent by SAT to the parties also invites the parties to advise SAT prior to the hearing if there is a need for an interpreter.

Definitions of key terms used in GAA Matters are contained in the following document:

Key Terms for Interpreters - GAA (PDF)

Non-GAA Matters

The applicant may identify the need for an interpreter in the SAT application form.

The notice of hearing sent by SAT to the parties invited the parties to advise SAT prior to the hearing if there is a need for an interpreter.

Parties may also raise the need for an interpreter at the directions hearing.

Definitions of key terms used in building and strata disputes are contained in the following documents:

Further assistance

Interpreters may wish to download the App ‘Legal Literate’ to assist them with their understanding of some common legal terms that may be used in Tribunal proceedings.