Pronunciation of Names and Gender Pronouns
Guideline
1. Objective
1.1. The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal) recognises that the correct pronunciation of names and the use of appropriate gender pronouns is a matter of respect. As such, the Tribunal seeks to facilitate a simple process by which Tribunal users and their representatives can provide, and the Tribunal can seek, guidance and clarification.
1.2. Ordinarily, parties, witnesses and legal (and other) representatives participating in Tribunal proceedings are referred to by reference to their surname as a matter of dignity and respect. However, in certain streams (e.g. Mental Health or Guardianship), use of a first name may be appropriate as a matter of comfort or request.
1.3. The Tribunal considers that the correct pronunciation of names, and use of a person’s preferred form of address (e.g. Mx, Mr, Ms, Mrs, Dr, Prof) and pronouns (i.e. she/her, he/him, they/them or any combination of the former), are important to promote public trust and confidence in the Tribunal and its impartiality.
2. Scope
2.1. This guideline applies to all Divisions and Streams of the Tribunal.
2.2. This guideline takes effect from the date it is issued and, to the extent practicable, applies to proceedings whether filed before or after that date
3. Responsibility of representatives
3.1. Where reasonably practicable prior to any hearing, legal practitioners, advocates or other representatives (“representatives”) should consider whether any names associated with their client’s matter may be difficult to pronounce and provide the Tribunal with the correct phonetic pronunciation for those names.
3.2. Representatives should also consider the gender pronouns of a person and provide the Tribunal with the appropriate gender pronouns. This includes, but is not limited to, counsel, parties, witnesses, solicitors, and other entities.
3.3. A representative may provide guidance as to the pronunciation of names by inserting the phonetic spelling of the name in square brackets directly after the
name. For example: “The Applicant intends to call Mr Htin Kyaw [HOO-tin CHAW] as an expert witness in X v Y”.
3.4. A representative may provide guidance as to the gender pronouns of a person in square brackets directly after the name by inserting the appropriate pronoun. For example: “The Respondent uses the pronouns ‘they/them’”.
3.5. Representatives may provide such guidance to the Tribunal at the time of filing by an accompanying note or at a later time to the Tribunal registrar or officer by email or in written submissions.
3.6. Prior to a hearing, if the Tribunal asks parties for appearances and other preliminary information, a representative should, where appropriate, provide the Tribunal with the correct pronunciation of names and gender pronouns. If appropriate, when announcing appearances at the commencement of a hearing, a representative may verbally provide guidance as to the pronunciation of their name.
4. Direction to self-represented parties
4.1. The Tribunal invites all self-represented parties to also provide the Tribunal with guidance or clarification on pronunciation for any party or witness. This guidance may include the phonetic spelling of the name, information to clarify a person’s surname, and appropriate form of address or preferred title.
4.2. Self-represented parties may also wish to provide the Tribunal with information on applicable gender pronouns.
5. Clarification by the Tribunal
5.1. Should the Tribunal wish to clarify the correct pronunciation of any name or gender pronoun before or during a hearing, a registry officer may contact the parties directly or via their representative. A Tribunal member may also seek clarification during the course of a hearing by asking for clarification. Representatives are therefore encouraged to know the correct pronunciation of all names and gender pronouns associated with their client’s matter.
Tasmanian Civil & Administrative Tribunal
Phone: 1800 657 500
Email: tascat@tascat.tas.gov.au
Web: www.tascat.tas.gov.au
20 October 2025