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Translating and Interpreting Service
Information for Interpreters


Translating and Interpreting Service

For information in another language, call 13 14 50 from anywhere in Australia. The Translating and Interpreting Service can call us on your behalf.

Professional interpreters are available at no cost to applicants to assist during the hearing. You must inform your case manager, if you require an interpreter. Please note that friends or family members may not interpret at a hearing.

Interpreters are covered by confidentiality provisions and a Code of Ethics, which means customers can be reassured that any information learned through an interview conducted by an interpreter will remain confidential.
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Information For Interpreters

Interpreters are asked to be familiar with the role and function of the SSAT, as well as how the typical hearing operates.

Before the Hearing
All interpreters are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the AUSIT Code of Ethics.

All interpreters should:
§ Always arrive punctually for the hearing.
§ Sign the SSAT secrecy declaration (if you have not already done so).
§ Remain apart from all parties to the appeal before the hearing to ensure impartiality.
§ Submit your Identity Card to the presiding member at the beginning of the hearing, if requested.
§ Turn off paging devices, mobile phones etc. You may leave them with the Tribunal receptionist, who will take a message for you.

At the Hearing
§ You are there to assist the Tribunal and the person for whom you are interpreting.
§ You will usually be asked to sit next to and slightly behind the person for whom you are interpreting, allowing direct eye contact between Tribunal members and the person.
§ If you are capable of simultaneous interpreting, establish with the presiding member whether it will be used.
§ If the person for whom you are interpreting prefers to use English, only using the interpreter when having difficulties, the presiding member will indicate whether he/she wishes you to start or resume full interpreting at any stage in the hearing.
§ Interpret accurately and honestly at all times.
§ If you are unsure about the meaning of a word or phrase, ask the Tribunal member to clarify it for you.
§ Take notes if this assists you but you must pass these to the presiding member at the end of the hearing.
§ If necessary, use your dictionary during the hearing.
§ Interpret answers accurately, however confused they may be.
§ Do not attempt to re-explain the question to the person for whom you are interpreting: that is the job of the Tribunal members.
§ Do not add to what the person for whom you are interpreting or Tribunal member has said.
§ Do not summarise a long question or answer: if necessary, stop the person for whom you are interpreting or Tribunal member with a nod or gesture and break up the exchanges into manageable segments.
§ The first or second person should always be used, eg ‘I applied for the pension in March’ or ‘When did you apply for the pension?’. Do not use third person, eg ‘He asked when you applied for the pension.’
§ Be impartial and objective: do not ‘take sides’ either for or against any of the parties. This can be gauged from the interpreter’s facial expression, tone of voice and manner towards the parties or the Tribunal.
§ Do not censor information. The interpreter is not responsible for the content of what is being said and should not ‘tone down’ what a person says. If he/she is angry or rude to the Tribunal, just interpret everything including bad language!
§ If you need to give cultural information to assist the person for whom you are interpreting and the Tribunal, only do this with the permission of the presiding member and always advise the person of what you have said.

After the Hearing
§ Confidentiality is a very strict rule. You should not discuss the appeal and the parties involved with anyone outside the Tribunal.
§ If you are concerned about any aspect of your interpreting session, contact the Tribunal with the date of the hearing and name of the person for whom you were interpreting and ask to speak to the office manager.
§ Thank you for assisting the Tribunal in this way.
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