A notice to the profession was issued by the Federal Court of Australia Chief Justice DS Mortimer on 10 June regarding the winding down of VIQ.
“For several decades, hearings in the Federal Court of Australia, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Divisions 1 and 2), and the National Native Title Tribunal have been recorded and transcribed by a private contractor. The current provider is 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 Court has worked closely with the appointed Administrators to ensure continuity of recording and transcription services. The Court has also undertaken contingency planning in the event these services ceased.
“The Federal Court is grateful to parties and their legal representatives for their patience and flexibility during this challenging period.
“On 3 June 2026 the Court was advised by the Administrators that VIQ operations would be winding down.
“Following negotiation with the Administrators, the Federal Court confirms that VIQ will continue to provide transcription services for the Federal Court of Australia through to 30 June 2026, allowing for a transition to the Federal Court’s contingency recording and transcript arrangements.
“Contingency arrangements will commence in full after 30 June 2026.”
More information about the Federal Court’s contingency recording and transcription arrangements is available on the Court’s website. The website information will be updated regularly.
For Queensland courts: The Department of Justice and Queensland Courts advises that preparatory work has been undertaken to maintain day-to-day services for court users, which has included working with the state’s other service provider, Epiq, to increase workload and contingency plans to prioritise transcripts of evidence in Supreme and District Court hearings if this is needed.
Currently, no disruption to services is anticipated, however, any impacts will be closely monitored.
As always, practitioners are encouraged to make appropriate requests at to timeframes and can request the audio recording if necessary.
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