Election Period Policy (Caretaker Period)

The Election, or Caretaker Period as it is often called, commences at 12am (midnight) on Tuesday 21 September to 6 pm on 22 October 2016. All levels of Government in Australia accept that during the period leading up to an election that the Government assumes a ‘caretaker role’. During the caretaker period, the business of government continues and ordinary matters of administration still need to be addressed. However, successive governments have followed a series of practices, known as the ‘caretaker conventions’, which aim to ensure that their actions do not bind an incoming government and limit its freedom of action.

The recent amendments to the Local Government Act 1989 now require all councils to adopt and maintain an Election Period Policy.
The Election Period Policy requires that councils publicly explain to their communities how they will conduct their business during the caretaker period.

The policy covers:

• Decision making by Council, Committees and delegates of Council
• Material being published by Council, including on Facebook and other social media
• Public consultation provisions
• Function and event management
• The use of Council resources by Councillors
• Access to Council information by Councillors and candidates
• Access to Media services