ACAT procedures are conducted in English. The Tribunal can only make arrangements to use an interpreter in limited circumstances.
The ACAT will arrange and pay for an interpreter in Mental Health and Guardianship and Energy and Water matters for the person that the case is about. This will be arranged on request or if the Tribunal itself deems it necessary or desirable.
Interpreters can be used for other cases but the person requiring the interpreter must arrange and pay for the service.
A case will not usually be adjourned because a party needs an interpreter but has not arranged one before attending a hearing or conference.
A telephone interpreter service is available by telephoning 131 450. A fee may be charged for this service.
The Service and Execution of Process Act 1972 (Cth) (SEPA)at part 4 sets out a number of requirements for service of process and subpoenas by or on behalf of Tribunals. When serving subpoenas interstate, section 57 of SEPA requires that leave from “a court of a State in which a subpoena is issued” be obtained to serve the subpoena outside the State. Section 57 goes on to set out the procedures that need be complied with to obtain this leave.
