A social media strategy, debate over the word "program," and the opening of a new highway extension have all been compared to the TV program Utopia by senior staff inside the Department of Infrastructure.

The ABC TV satire depicts the fictional Nation Building Authority and the dysfunctional relationship the staff has with the Federal Government.

In bureaucratic circles, the word utopia is synonymous with dysfunction, bungling bureaucracy and ministerial interference.

A swathe of emails released under the Freedom of Information Act shows it is also used regularly by senior staff inside the Department of Infrastructure.

One long email tries to clear up the "many questions, confusion and a lot of head scratching" over whether to use programme or program.

The email ponders that it may be because of the apparent spelling preferences of the Government or individual ministers that staff are so confused.

A swathe of emails released under Freedom of Information shows the term "Utopia" is used regularly by senior staff inside the Department of Infrastructure. ( ABC News: Giulio Saggin )

It goes on to quote guidance from the Government's Digital Transformation Agency to conclude they should be using the spelling "program".

But, it continues, there are exceptions for proper nouns — particularly in old legislation.

"A whole Utopia episode could be made of this, I'm sure…" replied a senior manager.

'Too much work' for Infrastructure Australia

A similar request to Infrastructure Australia has been deemed "too much work" to process.

The ABC had asked for a small number of senior staff to search their email for the term "Utopia", but the agency said it was "unrealistic" to expect them to do so.

It said it had a "heavy workload" of Freedom of Information requests, but the official disclosure log showed the agency had only processed one this year.

Infrastructure Australia has supplied an official statement saying it "takes its FOI responsibilities seriously and is currently processing the ABC's request".

Request 'nicely timed with season three of Utopia'

Another email released by the Department of Infrastructure requested a new social media strategy to "raise awareness of the Government's record $75 billion infrastructure package".

It said the campaign should spruik projects like inland rail and the Badgerys Creek airport, and interview locals to show how it can improve people's lives.

The highly criticised Building Our Future campaign saw $18 million spent just before the last election to "raise awareness" of the Government's infrastructure spending. ( Supplied )

"Sounds like another form of Building Australia's Future campaign — to be timed nicely with season three of Utopia," came a reply.

The highly criticised Building Our Future campaign saw $18 million spent just before the last election to "raise awareness" of the Government's infrastructure spending.

The money included researching, concept testing and focus grouping the advertising campaign.

Federally funded projects had to have roadside signage in place, spruiking the support for a full year.

Do you have an example of Utopia-style language used in your workplace? Remove your colleagues' names, then send your best to mcghee.ashlynne@abc.net.au

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