Caretaker Convention

The caretaker convention is a constitutional practice in Westminster-style parliamentary systems that constrains the executive's freedom of action during periods when it lacks a clear democratic mandate — typically from the dissolution of parliament until a new government is sworn in, or while a government has lost confidence but remains in office pending an election.

Under the convention, the incumbent government continues to govern and handle day-to-day administration, but is expected to avoid:

• Making major policy decisions likely to commit a successor government.
• Entering significant contracts or long-term financial commitments.
• Making senior appointments to public offices or boards.
• Negotiating major international agreements where they can be deferred.

The convention is rooted in democratic legitimacy: a government that cannot be held accountable to a sitting parliament should not bind future ones. It is not legally enforceable but is policed through political accountability, public service guidance, and media scrutiny.

Different jurisdictions formalise the convention differently. In Australia, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet publishes Guidance on Caretaker Conventions before each federal election, in force from the dissolution of the House of Representatives until the new government is sworn in. In Canada, the Privy Council Office issues equivalent guidance, sometimes called the "caretaker principle." In the United Kingdom, the Cabinet Manual describes restrictions during election periods, often referred to as purdah or the "pre-election period." New Zealand observes a similar convention from election day until a government is formed, which became particularly important under MMP coalition negotiations.

The convention also covers consultation: caretaker governments are typically expected to consult the opposition on unavoidable major decisions, and the public service is expected to remain impartial and prepare incoming-government briefs for any plausible election outcome.