Writing in the APS
Contents
Clear and consistent writing in government makes content easy to understand. This helps your audience know what they need to do.
This learning area provides APS employees with practical resources to:
- learn the fundamentals of writing clearly and concisely for government
- understand how plain language can improve written communication
- find out how to write for the audience and the purpose of the content
- practice applying knowledge.
The resources on this page are for everyone who writes, edits or approves content in the APS. They are for APS employees who write briefs, reports, policies or digital content. They are for people learning the fundamentals and for people who have been writing for a long time.
Upcoming events
Date
Location
Australia wide (Virtual)
This course is delivered from 05/05/2026 to 07/05/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of two 3-hour sessions and on 3.5-hour session.
Date
Location
Australia wide (Virtual)
This course is delivered from 12/05/2026 to 13/05/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of two 3-hour sessions.
Date
Location
Australian Capital Territory
This course is delivered on 20/05/2026, by face-to-face consisting of one 8-hour session.
Date
Location
Australian Capital Territory
This course is delivered on 20/05/2026, by face-to-face consisting of one 7-hour session.
Date
Location
Australia wide (Virtual)
This course is delivered from 04/06/2026 to 05/06/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of two 3.5-hour sessions.
Date
Location
Australian Capital Territory
This course is delivered on 10/06/2026, by face-to-face consisting of one 7-hour session.
Date
Location
Australia wide (Virtual)
This course is delivered from 24/06/2026 to 25/06/2026, by face-to-screen consisting of two 3-hour sessions.
Courses
This video interview provides guidance on writing in the APS, including basic writing principles and managing feedback.
Interactive course on editing and proofing written text. It includes writing skills, editing and proofing methods. You will be able to enhance documents for correctness and clarity.
All workplaces use communication and our overall job effectiveness is strongly influenced by how well we communicate. Learn how to present information clearly, concisely and in a compelling manner.
This course is designed for those who produce documents involving analysis or evidence-based argument. It is suitable for all APS and executive levels who need to improve their analytical writing.
Participants learn how to produce documents which are accurate, clear and consistent with Government style requirements.
This video interview provides guidance on evolving principles of government writing, establishing good writing culture in the APS and developing capable writers.
This course covers the processes for writing reports that adhere to the Commonwealth writing style. Learn to produce documents that have clear scope, are organised and interpret information well.
Essential tips for everyone who writes, edits or approves content in the APS.
Emails are written more than any other document. It is important to know when an email is the most appropriate form of communication, and how to maximise effectiveness when emailing.
APS writing fundamentals is Course 1 of the Writing in the APS self-paced interactive eLearning courses. It covers the fundamentals of writing in the Australian Public Service, drawing from Australian Government Style Manual guidance.
APS writing principles is Course 2 of the Writing in the APS self-paced interactive eLearning courses. It covers the principles of effective writing in the Australian Public Service, drawing from Australian Government Style Manual guidance.
Programs
The APS writing suite is for everyone who writes, edits or approves content in the Australian Public Service (APS).
Resources
The Style Manual is for everyone who writes, edits or approves Australian Government content. Use it to create clear and consistent content that meets the needs of users.
The Government writing handbook is a companion to the Australian Government Style Manual with greater focus on the craft of writing.
For Learning & Development Teams and Practitioners
The Government writing handbook is a companion to the Australian Government Style Manual with greater focus on the craft of writing.
The Style Manual is for everyone who writes, edits or approves Australian Government content. Use it to create clear and consistent content that meets the needs of users.