sec.54AFWho may act as interpreter generally

sec.54AF Who may act as interpreter generally

A person must not act as an interpreter in a proceeding unless the person— 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 has read and agreed to comply with the code of conduct; and takes an oath, or makes an affirmation, to interpret accurately to the best of the person’s ability. Also, a person must not act as an interpreter in a proceeding if the person— is or may become a party to, or witness in, the proceeding (other than as an interpreter); or is related to, or has a close personal relationship with— a party to the proceeding or a member of a party’s family; or a witness or potential witness in the proceeding; or 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 is or may be unable to fulfil their duty of accuracy or impartiality under the code of conduct for any reason, including, for example— personal or religious beliefs; and cultural or other circumstances. 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— cease to act as an interpreter in the proceeding; and immediately disclose the matter to the court. r 54AF ins 2024 SL No. 56 s 6 (sec.54AF-ssec.1) A person must not act as an interpreter in a proceeding unless the person— 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 has read and agreed to comply with the code of conduct; and takes an oath, or makes an affirmation, to interpret accurately to the best of the person’s ability. (sec.54AF-ssec.2) Also, a person must not act as an interpreter in a proceeding if the person— is or may become a party to, or witness in, the proceeding (other than as an interpreter); or is related to, or has a close personal relationship with— a party to the proceeding or a member of a party’s family; or a witness or potential witness in the proceeding; or 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 is or may be unable to fulfil their duty of accuracy or impartiality under the code of conduct for any reason, including, for example— personal or religious beliefs; and cultural or other circumstances. (sec.54AF-ssec.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— cease to act as an interpreter in the proceeding; and immediately disclose the matter to the court.