Writing is an important part of working in the Australian Public Service (APS). It is the most common way public servants communicate:

• with executive government
• within the APS
• with the Australian public.

The Style Manual is for everyone who writes, edits or approves Australian Government content. It helps us write clear, concise and consistent content that is fit for purpose.

Our approach

The Government writing handbook is a companion to the Style Manual, but with more focus on the craft of writing.

It is a selection of short-format Style Manual guidance with plenty of examples and practical tips. We chose the style elements people use most often in government writing.

How to use the handbook

There are 4 sections:

• Section 1: Write for your readers
• Section 2: Write so your meaning is clear
• Editor's tips
• Afterword: Review your writing effectively.

Each section has a central theme linking the articles within it.

A list of related Style Manual pages follows most topics. We have included definitions for unfamiliar and technical terms

The afterword helps writers to review their work.

We hope this little handbook makes writing for government easier.

The Style Manual team (supervising editor, L Manthorpe)