Provision of interpreter services

The Workers Compensation Commission is a transparent and independent forum for the fair, just, timely, consistent, appropriate and cost effective resolution of workers compensation disputes.

We are committed to delivering a range of services to help you reach agreement in disputes.  Our arbitrators hear and decide disputes which parties are unable to resolve themselves.

We recognise that providing interpreters when needed is important in ensuring equal access to our dispute resolution service.

This service charter outlines:

• our expectations of parties, legal representatives and agents where parties or witnesses need an interpreter; and
• the interpreters we arrange through our service providers.

This service charter applies to:

• Commission proceedings (teleconferences, conciliation conferences and arbitration hearings); and
• assessments by Approved Medical Specialists.

We will:

• Provide equitable access to the Commission, including interpreters where
• Arrange for an interpreter in the nominated language/dialect and, if applicable, of the specified gender;
• Book interpreters to be in the same location as the party needing the interpreter’s services whenever possible;
• Interpreters will attend teleconferences at the worker’s location unless this is not possible;
• Book interpreters to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of the conference; and
• Pay for any interpreters that we arrange
• Arrange another interpreter if the arbitrator decides there is a conflict of interest;
• Only use accredited interpreters;
• Follow the complaint handling process in our Access and Equity Service Charter if you have a complaint.

We expect that you, as a party, legal representative or agent:

• Tell us when a party needs an interpreter to participate in proceedings or to attend an assessment by an Approved Medical Specialist
  • Complete the language question on the application form;

• Tell us when a witness needs an interpreter to participate in proceedings
  • Notify the arbitrator at the teleconference;

• When asking for an interpreter, tell us:
  • the language;
  • the dialect, if applicable;
  • the gender of the interpreter, if gender is important; and
  • the party’s location for the teleconference (for example, their solicitor’s office).

You may not request an interpreter by name or use a family member, friend or legal representative who speaks a community language except as a support person;

• Lodge documents with us in English; and
• Tell us in writing if you have a complaint about an interpreter.