Good communication underpins our democratic system of government. It improves service delivery, anticipates issues, develops partnerships, manages expectations, informs government policy development, and enhances community participation in government.

Today, the community expects that government will keep it informed about programs, services, initiatives and matters which affect their benefits, rights and obligations as citizens.

The community also expects government to listen – to find out its views, priorities, needs and expectations - and to provide opportunities for participation in government and relevant and useful two-way communications.

The community also wants communication that is understandable, and that takes into account the needs of a diverse society.

The Tasmanian Government has developed its Whole-of-Government Communications Policy in response to these expectations.

The policy aims to ensure effective communications between the Tasmanian public and the Government, for the benefit of all. It is implemented across Government and supported by this Tasmanian Government Communications Website.

Application

The policy applies to each of the Government departments and other agencies listed in Appendix A.

Tasmanian Government Business Enterprises, State Owned Companies and independent statutory authorities may use the policy as a guide to their own communications.

Effective date

Whole-of-Government Communications Policy issued 9 July 2003.

Bibliographic details

Whole of Government Communications Policy – Version 6.0, December 2006 print version ISBN 978 0 7246 5567 0

Whole of Government Communications Policy – Version 6.0, December 2006 eversion ISBN 978 0 7246 5573 5