The CTTT regularly engages interpreters to assist during proceedings.  This information outlines the CTTT's policy on interpreters, procedure for attendance to the CTTT and professional requirements. It also provides a general overview on the CTTT and its processes.  A Glossary is also available.

The Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) resolves disputes about the supply of goods and services, and issues relating to residential property and in particular rent or tenant/landlord issues.

The CTTT uses a range of dispute resolution methods to resolve disputes, mainly conciliation and hearing.  Parties to CTTT proceedings are generally required to conduct their own case without legal representation. 

Conciliation

Conciliation is a process which brings the people in dispute together to talk about their issues in an informal, confidential meeting to try and reach an agreement prior to the hearing.  

At the CTTT's major hearing venues, conciliation is conducted in dedicated conciliation rooms and there may be a Tribunal Conciliator present to assist conciliation discussions. 

As the conciliation process is private and confidential, nothing said during conciliation can be used at the hearing without the consent of the parties.

Hearing

If the parties are unable to settle their dispute during conciliation, the matter will generally proceed to hearing.

The majority of matters are listed in a group list.  This means several matters will be listed at the same time.  In a group list are other people in the hearing room also having their matter heard by the Tribunal Member. CTTT hearings are normally open to the public.

At the end of the hearing the Tribunal Member will give his/her decision immediately or they will say that the decision is reserved, which means that they will provide their decision at a later date, usually in writing and accompanied by written reasons.  On other occasions the Tribunal Member will adjourn the hearing to another day.

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Where necessary the CTTT arranges and pays for interpreters. The CTTT's policy is to arrange interpreters who are accredited by the National Authority for the Accreditation of Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) at the 'Professional' level (Formerly Level 3). A 'Paraprofessional Interpreter' (formerly Level 2) may only be utilised in languages where no professional level interpreter is accredited. In languages where there is no NAATI accreditation, a NAATI certificate of recognition should be provided.

The CTTT understands that interpreters are bound by NAATI and AUSIT's (Australian Institute of Translators and Interpreters) Codes of Ethic.  If a conflict of interest arises as a result of personal or financial relations between the interpreter and the applicant, the respondent or a witness, the interpreter should notify the CTTT.

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Interpreters should follow the below procedures when attending the CTTT:

• Interpreters are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the conciliation or hearing is scheduled to start.
• If the interpreter is unfamiliar with the location of the hearing or conciliation room they should ask CTTT Registry staff for assistance.
• Interpreters should have their NAATI card with them and be willing to show it if asked by staff or the Tribunal Member for verification of their qualifications.
• Interpreters should turn off their paging devices and mobile phones while at the CTTT.
• Interpreters should ask the Tribunal Member for a break if they need one.
• At the conclusion of the conciliation or hearing, the interpreter will be asked to sign an attendance confirmation sheet.

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Interpreters are expected to translate everything exactly as said.  Interpretation should be in the first person.

Interpreters are not expected to know every term or concept that may be used. They should consult a dictionary if they need to translate certain concepts. If they may need to use one, interpreters are expected to bring their own dictionaries.  Interpreters should not hesitate to ask the Tribunal Member to clarify a word, a phrase or concept if is not clear to them.

Interpreters should not discuss the case with, or offer any views or opinions regarding the case to, either the applicant/respondent or witnesses.

During conciliation

Interpreters may be required to interpret during conciliation.  If an agreement is reached during conciliation, the interpreter may be required to translate the words of the Conciliator or Tribunal Member to record the final agreement.

During the hearing

During the hearing the interpreter should expect the following:

• The interpreter is required to translate for the Tribunal Member and communicate the proceedings back to the person requiring the interpreting services.
• The interpreter should sit next to the person requiring interpreting, and be seated in a position which enables the Tribunal Member to have maximum eye contact with the person requiring the services of an interpreter.
• The Tribunal Member will ask questions looking directly at the person requiring interpreting and not the interpreter.
• The Tribunal Member will speak in short sentences with sufficient breaks to allow the interpreter to communicate the content as accurately as possible.
• The Tribunal Member will ensure that the interpreter understands the meaning of everything that is said.
• If clarification is required of what was said during proceedings, the interpreter should first ask the Tribunal Member.

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