Inclusive and respectful language

Inclusive and respectful language

Start by asking whether referring to someone’s specific race, age, gender, sexuality, disability or cultural background is necessary or appropriate.

Always research the audience(s) before planning the best way to communicate with them. For example, is there is any publicly available information from trusted sources about preferred terminology, sensitivities, or important considerations (such as harmful stereotypes, slurs or offensive language).

Different community groups, business sectors and individuals prefer certain language or descriptors. Understanding when and how to refer to people is important, as is tailoring communications to meet their needs.

Using neutral or inclusive pronouns and avoiding stereotypes will have a big impact.

Resources

• Accessible and inclusive content | Style Manual
• Inclusive language | Style Manual
• Respectful Language and Communication Guide (dpac.tas.gov.au)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Respectful Language Guidelines
• Gender – Respectful Language Fact Sheet 
• Disability – Respectful Language Fact Sheet
• LGBTIQ – Respectful Language Fact Sheet
• Communicate with us, not at us! A checklist for more effective communication with children and young people (PDF version)
• Communicate with us, not at us! A checklist for more effective communication with children and young people (Accessible Word version)

Acknowledgement & Welcome to Country

The Guide for Acknowledgement of Aboriginal People and Country and Welcome to Country (the Guide) has been designed as a tool for State Service agencies to develop consistent whole-of-government practices that support all employees to know when, how and why they should consider an Acknowledgement of Aboriginal People and Country or a Welcome to Country ceremony.

For more information, contact Aboriginal Partnerships:

Phone: 03 6165 8366
Email: ap@dpac.tas.gov.au

Tasmanian Aboriginal and dual naming

Tasmanian Aboriginal and dual naming is a significant aspect of preserving and honouring the rich cultural heritage of Tasmania’s First Nations peoples.

The Tasmanian Government acknowledges the central role Tasmanian Aboriginal communities play in the Aboriginal and dual naming process.

Geographic features and places in the Tasmanian landscape, on both land and sea, were given names by the Aboriginal peoples of Tasmania and used extensively for over 40,000 years prior to the arrival of European settlers.

Please always consult with local Aboriginal groups on their preferences to ensure the correct terms and spelling are being used.

Resources

• Dual Naming Questions and Answers (dpac.tas.gov.au)
• Australian place names (Style Manual)