Criminal transcripts

Originally established as the Government Shorthand Writers Office in 1854, Victorian Government Reporting Service (VGRS) provides high-quality recording and transcription services to Victoria's courts and tribunals.

Requests for transcription and recordings of criminal proceedings can be submitted to VGRS after completing the appropriate form below.

Prior to releasing a transcript or court recording VGRS require authorisation from the presiding judicial officer (VGRS contact the court on your behalf).

Parties considering lodging a Notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal, who require a recording of a plea, sentence or charge in accordance with the Supreme Court of Victoria's Practice Direction (2019), should complete the Appeal Preparation Request Form.

If you are unsure about the matter you wish to request or have any queries about the services that we provide then please don't hesitate to contact us.

Victorian Government Reporting Service
Phone: (03) 7004 6624
Email: vgrs.enquiries@courts.vic.gov.au

Office hours: 9:00 am - 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays).

What does a transcript cost?

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  • Where transcript has previously been produced and is provided by email the cost is $0.90 per page or part thereof. (Hard copies can be provided for an additional fee of 10 cents per page)
  • Where new transcript is required to be produced and is provided by email the cost is $16.97 per page or part thereof. (Hard copies can be provided for an additional fee of 10 cents per page)

As a guide only, one hour of hearing is an average of 21 pages of transcript, this could cost approximately $357 to produce when it has not been previously produced. Depending on the amount of discussion, evidence, level of complexity and the type of hearing, this will change.

A full trial day can often be 6 hours long or more, this could cost approximately $2,139 to produce.

All prices are inclusive of GST.

Can a transcript fee be waived?

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Transcript fees are prescribed by law under the Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Transcript Fees) Regulations 2017. These regulations do not provide for the waiving of fees by the VGRS or court staff. Only a Judge can direct the VGRS to produce transcripts to the court and the parties free of charge.

Why are some transcripts not available?

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Transcripts may not be available in the following situations:

  • Restriction - a transcript may only be available to the parties involved.
  • Sentences - are only available to parties to the matter and their legal representatives. Others wishing to access a transcript must obtain permission from the Judge. 
  • Appeal - a transcript is restricted and can only be accessed with the permission of the Court of Appeal.

This page was last updated: Wednesday 6 December 2023 - 6:12pm