Writing as a Tasmanian public servant

Main points

1. Be familiar with the Tasmanian Government Communications Policy (2010) and Agency communication requirements.
2. Use the resources available on the Tasmanian Government Communications website

Be familiar with the Tasmanian Government Communications Policy

The Tasmanian Government Communications Policy_¹ aims to ensure effective communication between the Tasmanian Government (and its agencies) and the people of Tasmania. Under the Policy, Government agencies and departments must:

1. Provide information through methods and in formats that meet the needs of all community members, including people with diverse communication needs.
2. Reflect the diversity of society in an inclusive way, without stereotyping or negative depiction of people in relation to ethnic origin, ability, age, gender or sexual orientation.
3. Use appropriate style and branding, so people can tell at a glance that the service or resource is provided by the Tasmanian Government.
4. Deliver value for money and meet all government procurement requirements.
5. Present information in an objective and apolitical manner.

The policy is implemented across government and is supported by the Tasmanian Government Style Guide and Logo Policy and tools and resources provided on the Tasmanian Government Communications website on the Tasmanian Government Communications website.

Be familiar with DHHS communication requirements

• Communication materials must be approved by Strategic Communications and Media (SCM) before public or all-staff distribution.
• Procurement processes for communications services (for example, design, printing, campaigns) differ from other procurement processes. Seek approval from SCM before quotes for the purchase of communication services are sought. The DHHS Panel of Contracted Communications Service Providers must be used when appropriate.
• You must use the DHHS Visual Style Guide and Written Style Guide unless you have been given exemption. Both complement the Tasmanian Government Style Guide and Logo Usage Policy and will help you create a document that looks good, has a consistent style and gives your readers confidence in the information you provide.

The Visual Style Guide directs the look of your document – the use of logos, branding elements and colour.

The Written Style Guide lists requirements about:

• the type, size and colour of font to use
• paragraph and line spacing
• when to write numbers in words or figures
• use of bullet points and numbered lists
• use of hyphens and dashes (yes, they are different!)
• the style and hierarchy for headings.

Use the Tasmanian Government Communications Toolkit

The Tasmanian Government Communications Toolkit on the Tasmanian Government Communications website provides a wide range of information about communications and the Tasmanian Government. It includes:

• The Tasmanian Government Communications Policy, Style Guide and Logo Policy
• an image library and information about the use of images
• templates
• information about:
• accessibility of information to all individuals and groups
• Acknowledgement of Use of Image (including forms)
• advertising, events, exhibitions, partnerships and sponsorship
• communication planning
• media relations
• multimedia productions
• procurement of communications services/products
• publications
• market research
• writing for the web.