- By convention, the Government ensures that important decisions are not taken in the caretaker period that would bind an incoming government and limit its freedom of action. The basic caretaker conventions require Government to avoid making major policy initiatives, making appointments of significance and entering major contracts or undertakings during the caretaker period.
- The caretaker conventions operate from the dissolution of the House of Representatives until the election result is clear or, in the event of a change of government, until the new government is appointed. There is no caretaker period for separate half Senate elections.
- The Ministry, the Cabinet or the Cabinet Committees may meet in the caretaker period if this is necessary for the continuance of the normal business of government, but the range of matters that may be considered is constrained by the conventions. Normally, efforts are made to clear necessary business prior to the caretaker period, thereby avoiding the necessity for meetings during the caretaker period.
- In relation to appointments, only those which it is essential to fill are considered, and preferably on an acting or short‐term basis unless a minimum or fixed term is prescribed. Consultation could occur with the relevant Opposition spokesperson, particularly where longer‐term appointments are necessary.
- The basic conventions are directed to the taking of decisions, and not to their announcement. Accordingly, the conventions are not infringed where decisions taken before the caretaker period are announced during the caretaker period. However, it is desirable, if the decisions concern significant initiatives, that they be announced in advance of the caretaker period in order to avoid controversy.
- The caretaker conventions do not apply to new policy promises which a government may announce as part of its election campaign.
- See full details on the Caretaker Conventions and their operation.
- The annexes of this document may be updated by Cabinet Division at times to reflect changes to operational policy or process.
The Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary have released the latest edition of the Cabinet Handbook. The Cabinet Handbook sets out the structure, practices and processes of the Government’s Cabinet and its committees.