Plain language in Australia has regained significant traction in recent years, with an increasing emphasis on clear and accessible communication across many sectors.
The government actively promotes plain language through several resources and guidelines designed to improve the clarity of public documents. One notable resource is the Style Manual, a comprehensive guide for government writing and editing, which underscores the importance of plain language principles.
Various regulatory bodies and government agencies also advocate for clear communication to ensure the public can easily understand information and services. For example, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is a strong supporter of plain language, urging companies to use straightforward and concise language in financial disclosures and product information. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) emphasizes clear and transparent communication in consumer rights materials and business guidelines. While Australia doesn’t have explicit plain language laws, these efforts highlight a commitment to transparency and simplicity in public communications.
Standards Australia, the national standards body, played an important role in the development of the international standard for plain language, ISO 24495-1:2023. In 2019, in response to a proposal from the International Plain Language Federation (IPLF), Standards Australia proposed to ISO that it develop an international plain language standard. This demonstrated the country’s commitment to advocating for global best practices in clear communication. In 2024, nearly one year after the publication of the ISO standard, it was also adopted in Australia as an Australian Standard.
