Caretaker Conventions

Every three years (or earlier), a federal election is conducted. The date is determined by the Governor-General, on advice of the Prime Minister.

From the time the House of Representatives is dissolved, the ‘caretaker period’ commences.  

During the caretaker period, ‘caretaker conventions’ apply, and remain in place until the election result is clear. Either through the event of a returned government or a new government is appointed by the Governor-General.

The Caretaker Conventions are a feature of our Westminster system of government and were introduced in the 1940s

The Caretaker Conventions help government, and the public service, adhere to the principles of responsible government until the election outcome is known.

When a federal election is called, the House of Representatives is dissolved, leaving the government without a body to be accountable to.

As every federal election holds the possibility of a change of government the Caretaker Conventions are in place to assist the government, and the public service, to manage the business of government until the returning or new government has been decided.

While the ordinary day-to-day business of government continues during the caretaker period, the current government will avoid making decisions or commitments that might not align with those of a new government.  

Specifically, the current government avoids:

• Making major policy decisions. 
• Making significant appointments. 
• Entering into major contracts or undertakings. 
• Negotiating or engaging with international governments or dignitaries.

This ensures that if there is a change of government, the new government is not bound to a commitment or policy made by the previous government.

What does all this mean for you as a public servant?

During the Caretaker period it is vital to continue to uphold the APS Values and abide by the Code of Conduct. Public servants must remain impartial and apolitical and adopt practices that support the conventions.

Avoid using Commonwealth resources to advantage one party over another, for example delivering public events to support one party using departmental resources.

Policy advice generally comes to an end - but you can still provide factual data, and you can still provide policy advice on urgent issues.

Advertising for government programs will generally stop but political parties will run election related materials on their websites.

There are also guidelines for pre-election consultation with the opposition. These are covered in the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions produced by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.  

Understanding caretaker conventions and making careful decisions about what work of the government can continue and what work should be suspended or ceased, is vital in our roles as public servants.  

Getting this right ensures we can continue to deliver for all Australians and work effectively with the incoming government – whatever the election outcome.  

More information is available in the ‘Guidance on ‘Caretaker Conventions’, available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.