Key changes

Key changes

The Tasmanian Government Brand Identity and Communications Policy has been developed by updating and merging the Tasmanian Government Communications Policy and Tasmanian Government Style Guide and Logo Policy.

The updated Policy has been developed in consultation with agency Communications Managers and staff from across government. It reflects feedback collected over recent years and best practice recommendations and advice.

A key change is an emphasis on accessibility inclusivity and a more contemporary brand identity for the Tasmanian Government.

Key changes are:

Introduction of a brand hierarchy

The brand hierarchy explains how to use the Tasmanian Government’s brand identity elements.

Increasing the focus on accessibility and inclusivity

The Tasmanian Government has a responsibility to ensure all communications meet accessibility requirements are and inclusive. Meeting accessibility and inclusion requirements is not only a necessity, but a legal requirement as stated in:

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and
• Right to information Act 2009

To make it easier for agencies to produce accessible and inclusive communications, additional guidance and resources have been added to the Policy.

Updates to the Tasmanian Government corporate brand identity

Changing the mandatory corporate font from Gill Sans to Arial and the introduction of Noto Sans for professionally designed documents.

Arial is now the mandatory Tasmanian Government corporate font. The previous font family, Gill Sans does not meet accessibility requirements and is therefore no longer to be used. Arial is freely available on Tasmanian Government issued devices and must be used for internal and external publications (including documents, posters, email, and even email signatures).

Alternatively, Noto Sans can be used for professionally designed documents – produced internally or externally. This font can be activated through Adobe fonts.

All templates using any of the Gill Sans font family or other non-authorised or premium fonts must be updated by 31 December 2024.

The font used on the Tasmanian Government logo will not be affected. This logo and its graphic and written elements are protected as a trademark under the Trade Marks Act 1995

An exemption is required from the Communications Unit in the Department of Premier and Cabinet to use a different font and the relevant agency must obtain the appropriate licensing.

Removing the basewave

The basewave is not required and should be phased out by 31 December 2024.

A preference for mono versions (black and white) of the Tasmanian Government logo

In keeping with a more contemporary look and to meet accessibility requirements, the mono black and reversed white versions of the Tasmanian Government logo are preferred. These versions are more prominent when displayed alongside other logos and are aligned with the minimal look of the Tasmanian brand.

Allowing agencies to develop their own colour palette

The Department of Premier and Cabinet’s (DPAC) Communications Unit is working with Tasmanian Government agencies to develop their own individual secondary colour palettes. For some agencies a strong visual language based on images might be more appropriate than a colour palette. This approach will help to build a recognisable identity for each agency.

These palettes will complement the Tasmanian Government brand but will replace the extensive secondary colour palette previously available.

Agency/department colour palettes will be available in the toolbox at a later date.

Licensing requirements

A new section has been added to the Policy, providing Tasmanian Government agencies with a reminder of their obligations to ensure font and other proprietary elements are correctly licensed.

Signage and hoarding

Additional guidelines on brand application for signage and construction hoarding have been developed and examples are available in the Toolbox.