Plain Language Bill laughed into law

Plain Language Bill laughed into law
National doth protest too much. (Image: Getty)
Ian Llewellyn
A bill requiring government departments to use plain language and appoint officers to police its use passed into law last night, with hoots of derision from opposition MPs.The Plain Language Bill, sponsored by Labour MP Rachel Boyack, will require government agencies to use plain language in public documents and appoint plain language officers. The Public Service Commission will also issue plain language guidance and agencies will have to report on how they are complying.Most opposition MPs supported the concept of plain language being use...

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