[LINK] Australia has an updated government style manual

[Stephen Loosley]

Beta:  <https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/> https://www.stylemanual.gov.au<https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/>

Australia has an updated (Beta) government style manual

Yes,  the Commonwealth Style Manual, the usage guide and whole-of-government communication ethos has been modernised and it now lives online.

First published in 1966 by the Commonwealth Government Printing Office, the Style Manual has long provided guidance and recommendations for, “anyone faced with the task of preparing material for publication”.

The current Beta update, a digital offering against the sixth edition’s glossy paperback, was produced by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA).

Much of the new content in the online Style Manual covers the obvious technological changes to governmental content since its last edition: containing new (or expanded, or reworked) sections on blogging, video production, search engine optimisation, and social media management. There are changes to some referencing systems, including the citation of legal texts.

Terminological developments also include revised sections on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander terminology, the inclusion of non-binary courtesy title Mx, more terms to refer to the elderly, and discussion of umbrella terms for gender and sexual orientation. Somewhat cryptically, the Style Manual notes that government agencies “use both LGBTI and LGBTIQ+”.

Perhaps the most contentious change concerns guidance on when to use numbers and when to use numerals. Prior editions advised using words for numbers up to 100 (for general texts) or up to nine (for statistical texts). This updated edition recommends numerals for “2 and above” in most content.


It’s worth noting this isn’t the final version, but a public beta. The manual’s team will incorporate any feedback or updates into the live release, due in September. Notably, each content page contains a feedback form, a source list, and release notes explaining the rationale behind any change from prior editions.

“We want to know what you think,” said Meaghan Newson, the Style Manual’s product owner, in notes accompanying its release.

Ref: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/aug/01/out-of-control-australia-has-a-new-style-manual-but-not-everyone-is-happy