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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before contacting Auscript, please take a moment to review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

The Auscript FAQ is updated regularly and covers:

• Transcription services
• Transcript costs, estimates and orders
• Recording services
• Security and confidentiality
• Quality/compliments/complaints
• Transcript Copyright
• Media requests
• Finance
• About Auscript

Transcription services

What is a transcript?

A transcript is an objective written record of the spoken word.

What does Verbatim mean?

Verbatim means pure and raw conversation – quite literally, a written representation of every spoken sound in a recording.

What does Court Style mean?

Court style is the more refined version of transcript favoured by Australia’s leading Courts. Evidence is provided in full, however speech irregularities (such as stutters), and grammatical gaffs (such as contractions) are generally corrected.

How do you create transcripts

Auscript transcripts aren’t produced by computers. Our transcripts are created by a team of skilled people through a streamlined production process. We rely on a nation-wide network of offices and servers that allows us to send audio from the point of capture (eg a boardroom or courtroom) to the point of conversion (eg production offices). Once delivered to our offices, our typists begin listening to recordings and typing each word heard. On a long recording, we will have many typists working on ‘turns’ (5 or 10 minute blocks of audio) that will be merged as a final transcript before being delivered to the end user.

Do you just do transcription of court hearings, or other things – like dictations or interviews?

We will generally type any recorded sound – so long as it contains identifiable speech.

I have a recording of people speaking in a foreign language – can you help me?

Not unless there is also an interpreter on the recording. Unfortunately, we are only able to offer transcription services for recordings of the English spoken word.

Do you type off tapes, or just computer recordings?

We transcribe any recorded media – from tapes to mp3s to DVDs. However, with any media that is not digital, we cannot assure the same delivery times, as there will usually be a need to convert the audio into an accessible format. Also, please note that if you wish order a transcript from an analogue recording, this will attract a surcharge.

We strongly recommend submitting digital recordings as the quality is usually much better than traditional cassettes. You can upload digital audio online via our Transcript Xpress service.

What is a stenographer?

A stenographer is an electronic short hand reporter. Stenographers use a phonetic shortcut based keyboard rather than a standard QWERTY keyboard. Unfortunately, stenography is a dying art, making a ready supply of stenographers hard to offer to clients. Auscript currently specialises in the most readily available and manageable transcription method – audio transcription.

Are stenography and real-time transcription the same thing?

No, not necessarily. Whilst a stenographer is essential in providing real-time transcription services in a court or deposition environment, the term ‘real-time’ generally refers to the technology allowing participants access to the transcript as it is being produced, not after the fact (when corrections have been made). To achieve a more practical level of accuracy, a second stenographer (known as a scopist) will work in tandem with the stenographer, checking and editing the transcript.

Do you cover depositions?

Yes. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

How do I use the 'upload' feature?

Using this feature is a simple matter of contacting Auscript to register as a Transcript Xpress user.

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Transcript costs, estimates and orders

What does a transcript cost?

For Court transcripts (Federal Court of Australia – Administrative Appeals Tribunal – Family Law Courts)
Costs are based on a ‘per folio’ rate. One (1) folio equals 100 words.

Rates per folio vary depending on the turnaround required. The more urgent the transcript is, the more expensive it will be. In average, 78 folios are typed to transcribe one (1) hour of audio recording.

For any other transcripts
Costs are generally based on a ‘per labour hour’ rate. It may take up to five (5) labour hours to transcribe one (1) hour of ‘Good Quality Audio’.

Please note: good quality recordings uploaded online are usually charged on a ‘per folio’ rate. However, recordings rated as ‘Poor Quality Audio’ according to Auscript’s Audio Quality Policy may take longer to transcribe, and consequently, may be more expensive. Therefore, they are charged on a ‘per labour hour’ rate.

For more information, or to obtain a personalised estimate of costs, please contact Auscript on 1800 287 274 (1800 AUSCRIPT) or complete the relevant transcript request form.

What if I can’t afford your services?

There are services available to financially disadvantaged users of Australia’s courts. Auscript encourages any person/party who believes they may be entitled to financial assistance as an impecunious litigant to formally contact the Court registry. We do not offer ‘free’ or discounted transcripts.

I have been given an estimate of costs – is this binding?

Estimates as to fees or other charges given by Auscript to you are for informational purposes only based upon specific assumptions such as average length of sittings, average numbers of pages produced per day etc. As a result, it is agreed that no estimate shall be binding upon Auscript.

What is the process for ordering transcripts?

To place an order for transcript (or simply request an estimate of costs), please download the relevant transcript request form. You can place orders for matters that have already been heard or for matters that are yet to be heard.

You can also order transcripts from private recordings. In this case, contact Auscript on 1800 287 274 (1800 AUSCRIPT) to discuss your delivery and production options.

Please note that if you do not hold an authorised credit account with Auscript, you will be contacted with an estimate of costs. A Security Deposit for the full estimated amount will be required prior to processing with your order.

What does "turnaround" refer to? How soon can I get my transcript after I order it?

Different turnarounds are available, depending on the type of transcript ordered. Turnaround describes when a transcript will be received after being ordered:

• For matters already heard, this is calculated from the time the order and payment/account details are received.
• For matters yet to be heard, this is calculated from the time the relevant proceedings begin.

Please note that if Auscript has NOT recorded the proceedings, the turnaround time will be calculated from the moment we receive the audio recording(s) along with your payment/account details.

A "Progressive Same Day" turnaround provides you with a draft transcript of the morning session after the lunch break, and a finalised document of the whole day by 6pm on the day of the hearing. It is only available on the day of the hearing.

A "Same Day" turnaround provides you with a finalised transcript by 6pm on the day of the hearing (subject to sittings finishing no later than 4:15pm).

All "Same Day" transcript orders (including "Progressive") MUST be received by 10am, local time at the location in which the proceedings are taking place, on the day of the proceedings, to be produced within the required turnaround period. Please note that if you do not hold an authorised credit account with Auscript, we also need to receive prepayment of the Security Deposit before 10am.

If you miss the 10am cutoff, your "Same Day" request will automatically turn into a 24-hour turnaround.

How are transcripts returned?

Transcripts can be emailed, posted or collected from your nearest Auscript office.

If you choose your transcript to be emailed, it will usually come in both PDF and Word formats (a "Transcript Analyser" format is available for court transcripts).

Please note that if you have more than one (1) delivery address (email or postal), copy costs will apply.

Who can order court transcripts?

Court transcripts can be purchased only by the parties to the proceedings or their legal representatives. Upon request and under specific circumstances (subject to approval from the presiding Judge, Member or Officer), media organisations and law firms not directly involved in the proceedings may be able to purchase the transcript of the proceedings.

Is there an order deadline?

All "Same Day" transcript orders (including ‘Progressive’) MUST be received by 10am, local time at the location in which the proceedings are taking place, on the day of the proceedings, to be produced within the required turnaround period. Please note that if you do not hold an authorised credit account with Auscript, we also need to receive the payment of the Security Deposit before 10am. If you miss the 10am cutoff, a "Same Day" request will automatically become a 24-hour turnaround.

Can I place orders in advance?

Orders placed in advance are welcomed. This is especially relevant if you require a fast turnaround (i.e. "Progressive Same Day" or "Same Day"). This can alleviate the stress of ordering at the last minute and helps us to allocate specific resources on the day of the proceedings/event. By ordering ahead, you can be confident that your transcript will arrive when you need it, not after.

I am going to court soon. Can I order transcripts from the courtroom?

Blank order forms will be available in the courtroom. However, completed order forms cannot be lodged with Auscript Court Monitors. They will have to be either faxed to 1300 739 037 or emailed to clientservices@auscript.com.au. Until we receive your order form, duly completed, signed and dated, we will not be able to start the production of the transcript.

How can I pay?

If you do not hold a credit account with us, you can pay via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, DinerClub, American Express). Other payments methods are also available such as cheque, money order, or direct deposit.

When is payment required?

If you DO hold an authorised credit account with Auscript
You will be invoiced upon completion of your order. The invoice will be posted out to the address specified on the order form. Please allow between 3 and 5 business days for the invoice to reach you. Each invoice rendered by Auscript will have to be paid within 14 days.

If you do NOT hold an authorised credit account with Auscript
Prepayment of a Security Deposit (i.e. full estimated amount including GST) will be required prior to processing with your order. You will then be invoiced upon completion of your order. If the invoice differs from the amount of your prepayment, Auscript will refund/take extra payment for the difference within 14 days of Auscript’s invoice.

How much money am I obligated to pay as a deposit?

If you do not hold an authorised credit account with Auscript, the prepayment of a security deposit for the full estimated amount (including GST) is required. An estimate of costs will be provided by one of our Client Services Officers upon lodgment of an order form. The deposit may include a credit card surcharge (1.5% for Visa and MasterCard or 3.33% for Diners Club and American Express).

If you wish to pay your security deposit via credit card, please note that we will "hold" (i.e. pre-authorisation) the Security Deposit on your card (instead of debiting your card).

Do any surcharges apply?

For all payments via credit card, a surcharge of 1.5% applies for Visa and MasterCard; or 3.33% for Diners Club and American Express.

I haven’t received my transcript yet, and it is overdue – what should I do?

Please verify that the delivery requirements filled on the order form are correct. If you are expecting the transcript in the mail, please make sure the postal address is correct. Auscript cannot be held responsible for delays/losses/damages that would affect the transcript in transit. If you are expecting the transcript to be delivered electronically, please check your “junk mail” or contact your IT department to make sure the transcript hasn’t been blocked by any filters.

If you have any enquiries concerning the delivery of your transcript, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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Recording services

Can you attend my premises to record a meeting, an interview or roundtable?

We can arrange for an experienced Auscript Monitor to come to your premises and digitally record your event. If you wish to request this service, please complete and return our request form. Our Monitor will need to access the room at least 1 hour before the beginning of the event. The service is available anywhere in Australia but it must be requested in advance.

What if my event is a teleconference or videoconference?

Teleconferences are an efficient and cost-effective meeting tool in the modern business place. We can easily record off the phone line to produce fast-turnaround transcripts. Our only request is that each speaker identifies themself each time they speak – ensuring we can produce an accurate account of what was said by each participant.

Why do you use Monitors?

In the case of corporate events, we have found that having a Monitor in the room recording (as opposed to the client using a Dictaphone to record the event themselves) leads to a much more accurate end result. When our Monitors can visually identify each speaker, our typists get a complete and reliable reference tool for producing transcripts.

What type of equipment do you use?

Over 99% of our recording services are based on digital solutions. These solutions rely on computers and network technology to capture and transport audio efficiently. There are occasions where an analogue tape recording unit may be used as a backup.

My event needs to be recorded at all costs - how do you know your equipment won’t fail?

We record critical events every day. By employing best-of-breed redundancy measures, we greatly reduce the risk of lost information. In the very unlikely chance that the primary recording device fails, we can access a back up unit running independently.

What if I have done my own recordings?

We appreciate that creating your own recordings and bringing them to Auscript can appear an attractive and cost-effective option. Whilst we do facilitate requests for client-recorded transcription, as the quality of these recordings is not under Auscript’s control we can not guarantee the same turnarounds as those transcripts produced from Auscript recordings. Digital recordings may be eligble for upload to our secure online service - Transcript Xpress.

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Security and confidentiality

You say in the services section that security cleared staff are available – who awards them clearance?

We offer two clearance options - the first being a state police check clearance and the other a more specific clearance awarded by a recognised national government body.

My recordings are extremely confidential – how can I be sure the information is secure with Auscript?

All staff are bound by strict confidentiality agreements, whether they are producing transcripts from their home or in our CBD offices.

Our audio transcribers have heard the full range of recording content, and can be counted on to complete the transcript with the utmost professionalism and discretion.

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Quality/compliments/complaints

What quality control process do you have in place?

We have a full time Quality Control Manager (QCM), who performs two key tasks. Internally, the QCM functions as a running "spot checker" of all typists work. Every 90 days the quality of each production typist’s output is assessed and feedback provided. Externally, the QCM serves as a liaison if and when quality concerns are raised by clients.

I think I have found an error in my transcript – what are my options?

We recommend that you pass on any feedback regarding transcript quality to Client Services. Once your feedback has been received, it will be forwarded on to our National Quality Manager for review and attention.

Can I pass on general service feedback to Auscript?

If you would like to tell us what we are doing well, or how we can improve our services, please call 1800 287 274 (1800 AUSCRIPT) or email your thoughts to clientservices@auscript.com.au

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Transcript Copyright

Can parties involved in the same matter in Court share transcripts to save costs?

No. Transcript copyright is and remains the property of the Court (on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia). This is stated clearly on all order forms and Court transcripts, as well as in Auscript's Terms and Conditions.

Each party must order their own copy of the transcript.

Can I order transcripts of judgments?

No, parties cannot purchase judgments, orders or decisions. The Court makes them available, at no cost for the parties involved in the proceedings. Please contact the Court’s registry for more information.

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Media requests

I am a journalist - how do I order a transcript? Do I need to pay?

You can order a transcript by downloading the Media request for transcript form. We will then need to confirm with the Judge that media access is permissible. Upon approval from the Judge, we will be able to send you an estimate of costs based on either one of the following scenarios:

• Where the transcript has already been prepared and paid for by at least one of the parties, then a copy cost will apply.
• Where the transcript has not been ordered by the parties, then you will be charged for the full transcription cost.

Also, please note that a transcript ordered by the media may only be used for the purposes of reporting on the proceedings; and no part of the transcript shall be copied or made available to any other person/parties in the proceedings.

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Finance

Can I establish a credit account for my company/firm/organisation?

You may be eligible for a credit account with Auscript if you meet our requirements. Please email accounts@auscript.com.au for further information.

I have an invoice query - what do I do?

Please email you query to accounts@auscript.com.au, where it will be reviewed by our Finance team.

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About Auscript

What are your hours of operation?

Our standard business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm (6pm for phone enquiries).

Are you a government organisation?

No. Auscript was formerly an independent government department, however it was privatised in 1998, becoming Auscript Pty Ltd. Since 2004, the company has been known formally as Auscript Australasia Pty Limited, however clients and employees alike still refer to the company simply as Auscript.

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