FILE NOTE
INTERNAL USE ONLY
OIR style guide
1. Purpose
This document has been developed to aid consistency across al external OIR regulatory guidance materials
and communications collateral.
2. Document structure
The fol owing headings must be applied to OIR guidance materials before getting into the subject matter
specifics.
1. Background
2. Purpose
3. Scope
4. Legal disclaimer
5. Relevant legislation
The following headings should be applied to OIR guidance materials after subject matter specifics.
6. Glossary of terms (where applicable)
7. Monitoring
8. Related documents (specify relevant OIR guidance)
9. Appendices (where applicable)
3. Scoping the document
Documents should have a clear scope and be complimentary to existing OIR materials where appropriate.
Document authors are encouraged to outline and discuss proposed document scope/structure with
before getting too far down the development pathway such that emerging issues, stakeholder
sensitivities, and broader considerations relevant to the guidance material can be taken into account
particularly in the context of proposed timing for publication.
4. Grammar, punctuation and conventions
Grammar and sentence structure help people understand meaning. Documents should be developed in line
with the Australian Government Style Guide.
Punctuation
Only use punctuation that makes the sentence grammatically correct and the meaning clear.
Too much punctuation makes text crowded and difficult to read. If a sentence has a lot of punctuation
marks, it might be a sign that the sentence is too long or complex. Try to rewrite into shorter, clearer
sentences.
Offshore Infrastructure Regulator
Axxxxx
Page 1 of 5
OIR style guide
File Note
activity to assess the feasibility of a commercial development, is likely to have a significant impact on
matters of national environmental national environmental significance (MNES)3
7. Considerations for how to present information
Use of breakout or cal out boxes
Breakout boxes should be used to present and highlight key concepts within a document such as
obligations under the OEI Act framework.
Breakout boxes can also be used to communicate key OEI Act framework definitions where they are
fundamental to building understanding of the concept being communicated.
Example: Activities limited by the purpose of a licence.
Where a proponent has determined that an OEI Act licence is required to conduct their proposed activities,
they should be aware that the type of activities that can be conducted under an OEI Act licence are limited
by the purpose of that licence. For example, section 30 of the OEI Act details the purpose of a feasibility
licence.
Use of tables
Tables provide a structure for complex and detailed information. Design accessible tables and organise data
so it’s easy for users to scan. Tables should be numbered chronologically within the document. The title of
the table should be presented at the top of the table as shown below.
3 Matters of National Environmental Significance: Significant Impact Guidelines 1.1 (dcceew.gov.au)
Offshore Infrastructure Regulator
A1086555
Page 4 of 5
