DTA to publish updated Style Manual in 2020

The Digital Transformation Agency plans to publish an update to the antiquated Australian Government Style Manual in 2020.

The agency last week completed a third of the new content for the updated manual, and has released the new content to a private beta for any interested user with a gov.au address.

The Style Manual is the Australian Government’s source of rules and guidance on writing and editing. The last edition is now almost 20 years old and only available as a book that can be hard to find in agencies.

Feedback has also shown that users need new content on digital platforms, according to Style Manual Product Manager Meaghan Newson and Style Manual Engagement Lead Susan Baird.

“We’ve responded to these needs by creating a new edition that’s digital-first in all aspects: style guidance, platform and delivery,” they said in a blog post detailing the update.

Accordingly, the DTA is developing a digital update covering new and updated topics such as social media and writing for search engines.

The guidance is also being updated to promote the use of inclusive language reflecting cultural and linguistic, gender and sexual, and age diversity, and taking into account people with a disability.

Image courtesy DTA.