Queensland Consolidated Regulations

CRIMINAL PRACTICE RULES 1999 - REG 54AF

54AF Who may act as interpreter generally

(1) A person must not act as an interpreter in a proceeding unless the person—

(a) is currently certified, registered or recognised as an interpreter for the other language by a recognised agency, or otherwise satisfies the court that the person is qualified to act as an interpreter for the other language; and

(b) has read and agreed to comply with the code of conduct; and

(c) takes an oath, or makes an affirmation, to interpret accurately to the best of the person’s ability.

(2) Also, a person must not act as an interpreter in a proceeding if the person—

(a) is or may become a party to, or witness in, the proceeding (other than as an interpreter); or

(b) is related to, or has a close personal relationship with—

(i) a party to the proceeding or a member of a party’s family; or

(ii) a witness or potential witness in the proceeding; or

(c) has or may have a financial or other interest of any kind in the outcome of the proceeding, other than an entitlement to a reasonable fee for the services provided by the interpreter in the course of their engagement; or

(d) is or may be unable to fulfil their duty of accuracy or impartiality under the code of conduct for any reason, including, for example—

(i) personal or religious beliefs; and

(ii) cultural or other circumstances.

(3) If a person acting as an interpreter in a proceeding becomes aware during a hearing of the proceeding that a matter mentioned in subrule (2) applies in relation to the person, the person must—

(a) cease to act as an interpreter in the proceeding; and

(b) immediately disclose the matter to the court.