Issues with the Qld Gov Web writing and style guide.
The Qld gov style guide is not up to date with contemporary best practices, it's similar to the CUE from a design perspective in that it hasn't been maintained to current best practice standard. It's not a resource which is continually updated and reviewed like the AGSM. E.g. The Qld gov style guide was last updated March 2022, while the AGSM has been updated 8 times since using evidence, patterns and UX.
Examples of readability and best practice not followed
- Use sentence case for headings
- Avoid using nested bullet lists
- Avoid having more than one sentence in a list
- Don’t Use ‘or’ in a list
- Don’t use slashes
- Measurements incorrect
- Types of links and placement (Qld recommends front loaded) which reduces readability
- Recommended content structure is incorrect and based on a journalism model from 2013
References and recommendations are out of date
- 6th edition of the Australian Government’s Style manual for authors, editors and printers, (2002). (The AGSM supersedes this)
- 2006 adult literacy and life skills survey
- Jabr 2013
- Wästlund 2007
- Nielsen 2009
- Macquarie dictionary online
The Australian Government Style Manual and why it's better
- The AGSM is a living document published as a web page, not a fixed version PDF. It is frequently updated for best practice. For example it was updated post the Queen's death with updates on how to reference the monarchy.
- Much of the new content in the online Style Manual covers the obvious technological changes to governmental content since the halcyon days of its last edition: containing new (or expanded, or reworked) sections on blogging, video production, search engine optimisation, and social media management.
- There are changes to some referencing systems, including the citation of legal texts.
- Terminological developments also include revised sections on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander terminology, the inclusion of non-binary courtesy title Mx, more terms to refer to the elderly, and discussion of umbrella terms for gender and sexual orientation.
- How to structure and style content within common design system components such as text boxes and call outs and online forms is covered.
Overall, there’s a greater focus and extensive guidance on content in a digital format and making content more accessible for everyone.
In terms of how states should work with the AGSM, The Victorian Government does it well. It follows the Australian Government Style Guide and limits the Victorian Style Guide to styles specific to Victoria https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-government-style-guide