By convention, the Government assumes a 'caretaker' role in the period immediately before a State General Election as it is recognised that every general election carries the possibility of a change of government.
These guidelines are intended to explain the conventions and practices in more detail and to provide guidance for the handling of business during the caretaker period. The conventions are neither legally binding nor inflexible rules. Their application in individual cases requires judgement and common sense. While the Department of the Premier and Cabinet is able to provide information and advice to agencies, responsibility for observing the conventions ultimately rests with Chief Executive Officers or, in cases where they are involved, with the Premier and Ministers.
