EP#134: In caretaker mode

Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Sector

On today’s episode of Work with Purpose, Andrew Walter from the Department of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Professor Anne Tiernan from the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership unpack the caretaker conventions.

The Australian federal election campaign is well underway – this means the Australian Public Service is now in caretaker mode. But what does this mean for the day-to-day work of public servants?

Host David Pembroke, CEO of contentgroup, speaks with Andrew Walter, first assistant secretary of the Government Division at PM&C, and Anne Tiernan head of research and Professor of Political Leadership at the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership, walk us through the basics, and talk about how to navigate political and administrative pitfalls. They also clarify when caretaker mode starts and ends, and how you can handle requests for information from ministers.

Key tips:

1. Get in touch your portfolio agency’s caretaker team if you have questions on caretaker conventions
2. If you’ve never been through caretaker, familiarise yourself with the guidance and speak to team members who have experienced it before
3. If a minister asks for factual information during caretaker period, you can provide it. However, be careful if it’s not the type of information you ordinarily provide, requires significant resources, or is likely to be used for campaign purposes. When in doubt, seek advice.

Show notes:

• Guidance on caretaker conventions | Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet
• Caretaker Conventions in Australasia | Jennifer Menzies & Anne Tiernan | ANU Press
• Caretaker conventions | APS Academy

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