Caretaker Conventions

Overview

In Queensland, caretaker conventions are only invoked every three years during an election period. This course will deepen your knowledge of the evolution of caretaker conventions, their application in Queensland and some of the dilemmas public servants face in applying the conventions within a heightened political atmosphere. The course explores recent controversies in the application of the conventions. It uses case studies to illustrate the need for prudence and judgment in applying the conventions, and to propose strategies for managing the inevitable dilemmas that public servants confront during the caretaker period.

Course Content

The course will commence by defining Caretaker Conventions and their role in Queensland. An overview of the origin, history and status of constitutional conventions in general will be provided and the timeframe of which they apply. closer look of comparing Queensland conventions with other jurisdictions will be undertaken and accompanied by a discussion regarding established practices in adhering to the Queensland conventions and the role of the Opposition during an election.
Controversies and Debates will focus on recent claims of breach and the dilemmas and pressures on public service neutrality during an election. In closing, you will learn how to Apply Judgment to the Interpretation of Caretaker Conventions by exploring the options of business as usual and dealing with exceptions by either delaying or resolving the situation.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course attendees should be able to:

• Develop an understanding of the role and application of conventions within a Westminster-style system of government
• Gain knowledge of the recent history of caretaker conventions and an appreciation of the pressures on the public sector during the election period
• Develop a detailed knowledge of the Queensland conventions and how they are managed and applied in the State
• Gain practical ideas and strategies for applying the conventions and for dealing with difficult judgments

Benefits to your organisation

• Having key personnel in your workforce who understand the importance of observing caretaker conventions, while ensuring service delivery continuity to the public
• A more sophisticated understanding of the relationship between public service and political environments, and the public servant’s role in developing and delivering effective public policy outcomes regardless of the time of the electoral cycle

Benefits to you

• A deeper understanding of the potential issues that may confront the unwary public servant during caretaker periods - while continuing to do your job
• The opportunity to discuss and dissect with a group of your peers the practical issues that commonly arise during caretaker periods, from the perspective of head office, regional office, investigatory, service delivery or advisory services