New South Wales, Australia Premier announces plain language requirement
Plain language experts at the Plain Language Association InterNational 7th Biennial Conference (PLAIN 2009 Sydney, 15-17 Oct) have called on both Australian government and industry to follow the example of countries like Sweden, Mexico and New Zealand and introduce plain language laws and regulations.
New South Wales (NSW) Premier Nathan Rees announced October 16th at the conference’s opening address that he is
- Issuing a Premier’s Memorandum to the entire NSW public sector directing all agencies to adopt plain English in their communications
- Including a special category for “Best Use of Plain English” in the Public Sector Awards in 2010
- Requiring a plain English audit of the entire public sector, including random checks by focus groups for clarity and comprehension in documents
The PLAIN 2009 conference has brought together 40 of the world’s experts from 12 countries to show what has been done to advance the use of plain language internationally.
Dr Neil James, Executive Director of the Plain English Foundation – the current hosts of the Plain Language Conference – says “we are delighted at this wonderful step forward. Premier Rees has indicated that he takes clear communications seriously, and we hope this will motivate other States and the Federal Government to follow-suit.”
Thanks to Dr. Petra Spear of the Plain English Foundation for this announcement.
More information on international plain language initiatives
- Premier says speak English please
The World Today interview with Bronwyn Herbert (text and audio) - PLAIN conference media kit (PDF)
Information about plain English and the Plain Language Association InterNational Conference - Plain English Foundation
