What are caretaker conventions and how do they limit governments during election periods?

By Anne Twomey, Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law, University of Sydney

Now that the election has been called for May 3, parliament has been dissolved and the caretaker government period has commenced. During this period, the caretaker conventions require the government to exercise self-restraint. It must stick to routine government business and not embark on major new commitments.

There are commonly claims in the media that various actions by the government breach the caretaker conventions. Before the accusations start flying, here are the basics to help…

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