New Zealand’s Plain Language Act

Context

• Recently, New Zealand has passed the Plain Language Bill, which requires bureaucrats to use simple, easily understood language while communicating with the public.

About

• With the law, which banishes jargon and complicated English words, New Zealand is aiming to become a more inclusive democracy and help people who speak English as their second language, those with disabilities, and the less educated.
• According to the Bill, plain language is defined as “appropriate to the intended audience” and “clear, concise, and well organised”. 
  • Though the Plain Language Act does not specify which language constitutes a “plain language”, the Act is intended for the use of “plain English”. 

Implementation and challenges

• Under the Plain Language Act, a public service agency must annually report its compliance with the plain language use requirement to the Commissioner.
• The Commissioner, in turn, must annually report the compliance of agencies to the Minister of Public Service. 
• The Act further instructs the Minister of Public Service to present a copy of the report to the House of Representatives within 20 business days of receiving it.
• Although the Act is legally binding once it receives royal assent, the Plain Language Act does not confer a legal right or impose a legal obligation that is enforceable in a court of law, on any person.

Source: TH