Recording and transcription services are currently provided to the Courts by VIQ Solutions Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of VIQ Solutions Inc (Canada).
In March 2026, VIQ's Australian operations entered voluntary administration.
Since that time the Federal Court of Australia Entity and the Courts have worked closely with the appointed Administrators to ensure continuity of recording and transcription services. The Courts have also undertaken contingency planning in the event these services ceased, to ensure continuity of this important service.
The Courts are grateful to parties and practitioners for their patience and flexibility during this period.
On 3 June 2026 the Courts were advised by the Administrators that VIQ operations would be winding down.
Following negotiation with the Administrators, the Courts have been advised that VIQ will continue to provide transcription services to the Courts through to 30 June 2026, allowing for a transition to interim recording and transcript arrangements.
Interim arrangements will commence in full after 30 June 2026. These arrangements will involve a panel of on-shore transcript service providers, and a panel of transcriptionists managed in-house. Under the contingency arrangements, the Courts will have access to and control of all data and recordings related to transcript production.
Longer-term arrangements will be focused on a low-cost model for transcript services for all litigants, including those most disadvantaged or at risk, at the core of its design.
