Web Publishing Guide

Caretaker Conventions

Mandatory

In the period preceding an election, the Australian Government assumes a caretaker role. The caretaker period begins at the time the House of Representatives is dissolved and continues until the election result is clear or, if there is a change of government, until the new government is appointed.

Why Must I?

In accordance with the Values in the APS as set out in section 10 of the Public Service Act 1999, public servants are required to be impartial and apolitical.

How Do I?

During the caretaker period, agencies are required to undertake additional steps when managing their websites - Guidance on Caretaker Conventions - (187kb PDF) (Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet).

The Online engagement tools and the Caretaker Conventions extends the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions to provide advice for agencies using Web 2.0 online engagement tools.

Who Can Help?

If further advice is required in relation to issues that arise during the caretaker period, agencies should contact the:

For further information about the Online engagement tools and the Caretaker Conventions agencies can also contact:

What's Related?

• Guidelines for Ministerial and Departmental Websites