DTA to publish updated style manual this year

The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) is updating the federal government style manual for the first time since 2002.

The updated publication will be redesigned for the digital era to support the Australian Public Service's efforts to deliver better, faster and more efficient services.

In an effort to address complaints about the accessibility of the current version of the manual, the DTA is taking the approach that the new manual must be digitally biased in content and format, and will be published online for anyone to read it.

It will be rewritten to provide streamlined, easy-to-find and definitive rules and guidance, with a focus on user needs.

To address the need for both fast answers and evidence and rationale behind the style decisions, content will be displayed using a page structure that front-loads rules and examples, providing the rationale further own the page.

Bringing the content online will allow it to be easily searchable, and the DTA plans to design the resource with a detailed menu structure to help readers navigate the content.

The DTA has engaged educational consultant Ethos CRS as a content partner for the new style manual.

The new manual is in private beta and is expected to go live later this year.

Pictured: The DTA Style Manual Alpha team of Chris Rodriguez, Freddie Brooks, Jane Dorrian, Susan Baird, Matt McCarthy and Anneke Myers. Image ©Commonwealth of Australia.