Number: 2025/01
Issue Date: 05/02/2025
Review Date: 30/06/2025
Policy
The Government assumes a ‘caretaker’ role in the period immediately before a State General Election. This role commences from the date the writs for elections for the Legislative Assembly are issued and continues until the election result is clear, or in the event of a change of government, until the new government is formally sworn in.
Background
It is recognised that every general election carries the possibility of a change of government. In the caretaker period, efforts are made to ensure that decisions are not taken that would bind an incoming government and/or limit its freedom of action.
The practices associated with the caretaker role are directed at protecting the apolitical nature of the public sector, and avoiding the use of State Government resources in a manner that advantages a particular party. The arrangements also aim to prevent controversies about the role of the public sector during an election campaign.
Attached is a copy of the Guidelines that will apply to the forthcoming election period. A copy of the document has been made available to the Leader of the Opposition, minor parliamentary parties, independent members, and secretaries of the parliamentary parties. It is also available on the Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s website.
Roger Cook MLA
PREMIER
Circular/s replaced by this Circular: 2021/01
