In an effort to improve the working conditions for interpreters in the courts, Queensland Court Services Information & Court Technology Team are spearheading a project to test various new technology systems in court rooms.

The intent for introducing this new technology in court rooms is ensure the safety and comfort of interpreters by providing a separation between the defendant in the court room and the interpreter.

An Executive Manager with the Queensland Courts, Paul Ramage, has said that this technology is long overdue  to ensure that our non-English speaking clients and interpreters have the best available technology solutions to meet their needs within courts.

Translationz, along with NAATI certified Mandarin and Cantonese interpreters, Connie Li and Lynn Geng, were invited to assist the project by testing the new interpreting equipment in the Brisbane Supreme and District Court QEII Law Courts Building.

The equipment was tested in various modes to ensure interpreters can clearly hear through the headsets and interpret anywhere within the courtroom, including the witness box, dock, and gallery- subject to the discretion of the judge. This advanced technology allows the interpreter to move discreetly within the courtroom and see all parties, resulting in clear and accurate interpreting.

In addition to being more accommodating for cultural differences and specificities in communication, the technology helps maintain a barrier between the interpreter and defendant or witness. This is important because defendants and witnesses frequently try and engage in conversations with interpreters outside regular court proceedings which is to be avoided.

The test was deemed successful by the court staff and our interpreters. The next step is to use the equipment in an actual court hearing. A request was made to a presiding judge for an upcoming court hearing to use the equipment, however the trial will be postponed due to Covid related circumstances. Translationz will continue to support the Queensland Courts with this project and looks forward to assisting the Queensland Courts in their future court trials.

Looking forward, the goal is to eventually implement this technology in all court rooms state-wide, ensuring no party is disadvantaged due to language barriers whilst providing safety for interpreters and allowing them to interpret to the best of their ability.