The ‘caretaker’ period is the time between the dissolution or expiration of the House of Assembly and continues until the result of the election is clear, and if there is to be a change of government, until the new government is appointed.
Role of the department during Caretaker
During the caretaker period, the business of government and ordinary matters of administration continue. Ministers remain in authority. Agencies continue to operate during the caretaker period and the provisions of all normal services continues and statutory authorities are not affected.
You can access the Caretaker Conventions here.
Successive governments have followed a set of practises known as ‘caretaker conventions’, which aim to ensure that their actions do not inappropriately bind an incoming government and limit its freedom of action. While government business continues, the Caretaker Conventions do affect some aspects of Executive Government.
In summary, the conventions that the Government avoids:
- making major policy decisions that are likely to commit an incoming government or limit its freedom to act;
- making or renewing significant appointments; and
- entering into major contracts or agreements.
If you need Caretaker advice:
- the first port of call is your manager; then
- escalate to your Deputy Secretary if needed; and
- you / your Deputy Secretary can also reach out for central advice from Business Services via caretaker@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
If you have any doubt whatsoever about a course of action during Caretaker please err on the side of caution and consult. The precautionary principle applies and our agency risk appetite is lower during this period.
Caretaker Internal Secretariat Processes and Templates
Template - Critical Decision Minutes - these are decisions on highly critical matters for the attention or action from the incoming Minister within the first 30 days of office.
Requests for prepared replies will be referred from Ministers offices to the Secretariat. The attached templates are to be used for responses prepared during caretaker to be signed by the Secretary.
Template - Secretary State Growth letter - Responding to operational matter.
Template - Secretary State Growth letter - Referring to incoming government.
Incoming Government Briefings
Policy and Coordination will be managing the preparation of Incoming Government Briefs for State Growth and will be in touch with further information via divisional emails in the lead up to this process. For queries, please contact coordination@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Election Commitment Monitoring
The tracking of election commitments from all parties will be led by DPAC and managed within State Growth by Policy and Coordination. Policy and Coordination will contact divisions once this process is established.