QGEA directions and guidance

Regionalisation of language

Document type:
Factsheet
Version:
Final v1.0.0
Status:
RepealedNon-mandated
Effective:
November 2011–November 2024
Security classification:
OFFICIAL
Category:
Digital capability

Final | November 2011 | v1.0.0 | OFFICIAL-Public |QGCDG

Due to increased reliance on computer-based spelling and grammar checking functionality, as well as automatic formatting of text and numbers, it is important that departments choose correct regional settings to ensure Australian English and formatting conventions are used in all government communication. Regional settings control the way that numbers, dates, and times appear in an application. Regional settings may also control the time zone and language and dictionary settings used in an application. This fact sheet is intended to assist departments to utilize a consistent approach to language and other regional settings of information and communication technology (ICT) supported interactions with Queenslanders.

Use of Australian English

Departments should use Australian English, and Australian formatting conventions for all internally authored English communication, where possible. The Australian date and time formats that should be utilised are outlined below:

Australian date format

  • When writing dates in full, the format is dd month ccyy or day dd month ccyy
    • for example 23 May 2000 or Thursday 23 May 2000.
  • When expressing dates in numerals, the format is dd/m/yy or dd/mm/ccyy
    • for example 23/5/00 or 23/05/2000.

Australian time format

  • When writing times, the format is hh.mm:ss or hh.mm:ss.mm. The 12-hour notation is the preferred format, using the before noon/after noon qualifier written as am or pm.
    • for example 12.34 pm.

Regional settings

Departments should ensure that Australian regional settings, where available, are in effect within all ICT systems, including, but not limited to, agency standard operating environments, standard office suites, personal productivity tools, web content management and publishing tools.

Where multiple Australian dictionaries are available the preferred Australian dictionary is the Macquarie dictionary. However any Australian language dictionary is acceptable.

Benefits

The standardisation of the use of Australian English and regional settings within agencies will help to ensure:

  • consistent formatting of numbers, dates, currencies and times
  • Australian English is used for spelling and grammar checking functionality.

Need more information?

For more information please email qgea@qld.gov.au.

Last updated:
7 December 2022