On this page you will find guidance on how you can effectively use digital communication and information tools, including appropriate branding and getting your website up and running.
If you need to undertake advertising you can find information on the Whole of Australian Government Advertising Arrangement.
Topics covered in this section of the guide:
- Website domain names
- Australian Government branding guidelines
- Whole of Government Advertising Arrangements
- Media enquiries policy
- Clear and consistent government communication
Useful resources and contact information are available in the tables below.
Website domain names
As a Commonwealth entity you will be using .gov.au in your domain name to identify your website as a government website. The Digital Transformation Agency manages Domainname.gov.au to help government agencies set up and maintain their website domain names.
Key Tasks
| Task | Explanation | Resources | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apply to register your gov.au domain name | The gov.au domain is reserved for use by Australian, state and territory, and local government entities. |
Digital Transformation Agency |
Government branding
A common, easily recognisable brand ensures clear and consistent branding across Australian Government departments and agencies.
Guidelines have been developed to help entities ensure the Australian Government logo is consistently applied to products such as official Australian Government documents and publications.
Further information is in the Australian Government Branding Guidelines.
Questions can be directed to governmentbranding@pmc.gov.au.
Advertising
The Communications Advice Branch in the Department of Finance is responsible for the whole-of-government coordination of advertising.
All non-corporate Commonwealth entities must comply with the Guidelines on Information and Advertising campaigns by non-corporate Commonwealth entities.
The Guidelines apply to all campaigns undertaken within Australia.
Advertising campaigns with budgets of $250,000 or more are subject to review by the Independent Communications Committee.
Corporate Commonwealth entities and Commonwealth companies are not required to comply with the Guidelines and may undertake their own advertising processes.
More information on Advertising can be found on the Finance website.
You can contact Communications Advice Branch at governmentadvertising@finance.gov.au
Key Tasks
|
Task |
Explanation |
Resources |
Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ensure all advertising is placed through the Australian Government's Central Advertising System. |
Non-corporate Commonwealth entities must place all of their advertising, including public notices and job ads etc. through the Central Advertising System. |
Guidelines on Information and Advertising campaigns by non-corporate Commonwealth entities |
Communications Advice Branch governmentadvertising@finance.gov.au Finance switchboard 02 6215 2222 |
Media enquiries policy
As a new Commonwealth entity you should consider how you will respond to approaches from the media.
You should consider a media protocol for your entity. This should be consistent with that followed by your portfolio department.
Clear and consistent government communication
The Australian Government Style Manual is the authoritative source of rules and guidance for government writing and editing. The Style Manual aims is to make all government communication clear and consistent.
