The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
Use the correct numbers, words and symbols for currency so people are clear about the amount.
Write amounts using the relevant currency symbol followed by numerals. Don’t put a space between the currency symbol and the numerals.
For an amount less than $1, you can write it either as a whole number of cents or as a decimal value.
Dates and expressions of time need to be readable and clear, particularly in content that contains detailed timelines. Write, abbreviate and punctuate dates and times consistently so people can understand your content. Follow international and Australian standards to write dates and times for data systems and international communication.
There are Australian conventions for writing dates in words and numerals, and in numeric formats. These conventions include how to sequence elements of the date.
Use numerals and words for dates in most content. Use numeric dates when space is limited and in content types like tables.
In Australia, the conventional sequence for dates is ‘day month year’. Use this sequence when expressing dates in numerals and words.
Write telephone numbers so people can read and use them easily. There are rules for grouping the numbers, using spacing and creating links.
Break telephone numbers into shorter blocks of digits or ‘chunks’.
Telephone numbers are easier to read when their digits are chunked, rather than written in one large group.
Australian telephone numbers in general use have no more than 10 digits:
Use the correct term and follow the rules for capitalising government terms. People find it easier to understand content that has a consistent style.
Use initial capitals only for the formal names and titles of government entities and office holders. Use lower case for generic references.
These are rules for general content. There might be exceptions if you are writing specialist legal content using terms defined in legislation.
This page orders guidance for common government terms alphabetically.
Correct capitalisation helps people identify topographic and geographic terms in your content. Refer to landmark features, regions and compass points correctly.
Check official place names and style them correctly. You can check the spelling of an official name using the Australian Place Names dataset.
The full names of mountains, rivers, valleys, bays, islands and other features always take initial capitals.
Spell official place names correctly. Follow style rules so people recognise names for other public places. Use standard shortened forms in addresses.
Using official Australian place names helps us all communicate more clearly. You can check the spelling of a place name using the Australian Place Names dataset.
If still unsure, contact the relevant state or territory naming authority. You can click on the government logos in the search results from the dataset. They will take you to the jurisdictional webpage.
Refer to peoples and places outside Australia based on current information. Correct spelling and style avoids causing confusion or offence among users.
Some countries have several official names. Consult trusted references to decide which name to use, then use it consistently. Helpful references include:
Determiners always go with a noun. They tell people something specific or general about the noun.
Determiners introduce a noun or a noun phrase. Determiners give more information about the noun they are introducing. They are also called ‘articles’.
They show users:
Determiners include:
Pronouns replace other words. People will find content easier to read when pronouns match their context.
Pronouns stand in for nouns. They stand in for groups of words that function as nouns (noun phrases and noun clauses). They can also act like determiners.
A preposition creates relationships between words or phrases. Some words only work with specific prepositions. Choose them deliberately to convey meaning to users.
Prepositions show a relationship between a noun or verb. Use prepositions to give information about the time and place of an action or thing.
Examples of prepositions are:
Prepositions often come before related words or phrases.
