This page provides a listing of all the topics for which there are mandatory requirements for Australian Government agencies.

This listing supplements any agency specific guidelines relating to websites, it does not replace them.

It is recommended that all agencies, when procuring website development and design services (or similar), include the following requirement to ensure that their service provider is fully informed of the agency’s legal and policy obligations:

All Australian Government websites must comply with any relevant Mandatory Requirements identified in the Web Guide (http://webguide.gov.au/mandatory-requirements/). Service providers should be familiar with the Mandatory Requirements and the other guidance provided by the Web Guide when responding to Australian Government tender processes for relevant services.

Accessibility

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.0 have been endorsed for all Government websites.

Advertising

Agencies need to be aware of their responsibilities regards government campaigns and online advertising.

Archiving websites

Under the Archives Act 1983 Government agencies must retain records of their websites and website content for designated periods.

Branding

The Australian Government Branding Design Guidelines for Online Use provides guidance on implementation of the Australian Government Design in the online environment.

Caretaker conventions

In the period preceding an election, the Australian Government assumes a caretaker role. During this time there are a number of restrictions on what the Australian Government may do.

Contract reporting requirements

Under Senate Continuing Order No.9, agencies are required to list a range of contracts on their agency website.

Copyright & copyright notices

Agencies must include appropriate copyright notices on their websites.

Disclaimers

Agencies need to limit any liability from subsequent use of information by including a disclaimer on their websites.

Documents tabled in Parliament

All documents that have been tabled in Parliament are to be published online.

Domain names

The Australian Government Domain Name Policy provides criteria to be met when applying for, managing and decommissioning gov.au domain names.

File lists

Under Senate Continuing Order No.8 agencies must publish an indexed list of relevant files every six months on their agency website.

Forms

Providing forms online can provide benefits to the public and to Government agencies

Freedom of Information

Reforms to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) in 2010 introduced fundamental changes to the way information held by government is managed and accessed by members of the public.

Metadata (AGLS)

Metadata is a set of descriptive elements that government agencies use to improve the visibility and accessibility of their services and information.

Online Content Requirements

Agencies are required to publish a range of public accountability information on their agency website.

Privacy & privacy statements

Australian Government agencies must comply with the Privacy Act 1988, particularly the Information Privacy Principles, and include a privacy statement on their websites.

References to the Australian Government

Reference should be made to the ‘Australian Government’ and not the ‘Commonwealth Government’ or the ‘Federal Government’.

Security

The Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework directs Australian Government agencies to consider the security implications of their electronic information systems and to devise policy and plans to ensure the systems are appropriately protected.