The Government writing handbook is a companion to the Australian Government Style Manual (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. It covers the style elements people use most often in government writing.

The handbook is valuable because everyone in government writes. It is the most common way we communicate:

• with executive government
• within the Australian Public Service (APS)
• with the Australian public.

We write to inform, educate and engage. And we must always write with our readers in mind. If you don't know who you’re writing for, you risk writing something that they won’t understand.

Australians usually engage with government writing to get something done. Respect people’s time by writing content that is readable and usable. The same applies when you write for the government and others in the APS.

Clear, concise and consistent writing is essential. It ensures that government content is effective and useful. And it underpins government services that Australians rely on.

The Government writing handbook is designed for print and copies will be distributed to Australian Government agencies. You can read a web version of the handbook or download an accessible version of the Government writing handbook [PDF 3 MB].