The last time the Australian Public Service style manual was updated mobile phones were only good for making calls and sending short texts, the mining boom was just beginning and the cloud was a mass of water droplets.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So the task facing those giving the job of updating the 2002 version and providing a writing guide fit for the third decade of the new century has been a large one.
One of those heavily involved has been Ethos CRS chief executive officer Chas Savage, who said the overhaul was long overdue.
"Since [2002] the world has changed: readers read differently; content is published online; text no longer rules the roost," Mr Savage said.
"The style manual used by the Australian Public Service must address these changes."
For more than 60 years the APS style manual has been an authoritative source on spelling, grammar and punctuation, providing guidance on everything from the proper use of honorifics and titles to when to use an apostrophe and whether it is program or programme.
Despite the advent of spell check, Mr Savage said a style manual was still needed.
By providing a clear and consistent set of rules to follow it helped ensure that people in the government were able to communicate effectively and efficiently with each other, as well as with the public.
"Clear content is an important performance measure," he said. "If content is clear, then people who use government services can easily understand their rights and responsibilities: what they can access; what they're entitled to; what their obligations are; what they have to do next."
The project to develop the latest edition of the style manual has been overseen by the Digital Transformation Agency, which has engaged Ethos CRS to assist in the process.
While there will be a hard copy version, the focus has been on developing an online version that users can quickly and easily access wherever they are.
It has involved a substantial update to provide contemporary guidance including on inclusive language, the use of differing formats such as email and Twitter and ensuring accessibility.
The plan is to publish a digital version freely available to all in the APS as well as the general public later this year.
A version is already undergoing testing and developers are on track to release a public Beta version around mid-year.
Adrian Rollins
Adrian Rollins is economics correspondent for the Canberra Times
Adrian Rollins is economics correspondent for the Canberra Times
