What is Drop the Jargon Day?

Drop the Jargon is a day for professionals in Australian health, community services and local government to use plain language.

Drop the Jargon draws attention to language used  in the health and human services sector that is often not understood by their clients.

It is a day for professionals in Australian health, community services and local government to use PLAIN LANGUAGE. Since its inception, it’s reached thousands of dedicated practitioners and organisations throughout Australia who have pledged to Drop the Jargon in their workplaces.

It started in 2014, when organisations interested in clear communication were looking to build on the work they had done at the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health as graduates of the Health Literacy Course. The aim of reducing health inequalities & improving health outcomes for people from migrant & refugee backgrounds,  led to Drop the Jargon (DTJ), an annual campaign marking Health Literacy Month in October.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, with constantly changing information, it’s important that all Australians have access to accurate information that is also easy to understand, regardless of the language they speak. Dropping the Jargon is now more important than ever.

Drop the Jargon Day encourages individuals to make a pledge to tackle jargon in their workplace and in their daily practice.

Find out how you can make a difference and sign the pledge to tackle jargon on the Drop the Jargon website.