4.1.5 Plain language
Principles
Government’s obligation to inform the public includes the obligation to communicate effectively.
Policy requirements
Information about government policies, programs and services should be relevant to public needs, use plain language and correct grammar, and be expressed in a clear and consistent style.
This also applies to internal communications, as well as to information prepared for Parliament or any other official body, whether delivered in writing or in speech.
See Toolkit: Plain language in communication: guide
4.1.6 Meeting diverse needs
Principles
Agencies must ensure their publications and other communication materials depict diversity in society in a fair, representative and inclusive manner and accommodate persons from other cultures and religions, or with special needs.
Policy requirements
Government communications must not contain unacceptable language, sexual stereotyping, and unfair depiction of people in relation to race, ethnic origin and disability.
When planning and executing communications, the means available to communicate with people from diverse ethnic or religious backgrounds or persons with special needs, including literacy levels and sensory disabilities, should be considered. This requirement may involve producing communications in languages other than English, using captioning, audio tapes, Braille and extra large print etc.
All television commercials/community service announcements, videos, digital video discs (DVDs) and CD-ROMS produced for broadcast by or for the Tasmanian Government for viewing by the public must comply with the requirements of the Tasmanian Government Captioning Policy.
