- Date:
- 23 June 2026
Key Definitions
Definitions for the purposes of the Caretaker Guidelines.
Executive Summary
The caretaker period spans the time the Legislative Assembly expires until the election result is clear or a new government is commissioned. The caretaker period for the 2026 Victorian election will commence at 6.00pm on Tuesday 3 November 2026, unless the Legislative Assembly is dissolved before this date.
Introduction
What is the ‘caretaker period’?
Guidelines on the Caretaker Conventions
Avoiding implementing major policy decisions Avoiding significant appointments Avoiding entering major contracts or undertakings Managing intergovernmental negotiations and visits Maintaining an apolitical public sector
Avoiding implementing major policy decisions
Avoiding implementing major policy decisions
Avoiding significant appointments
Avoiding significant appointments
Avoiding entering major contracts or undertakings
Avoiding entering major contracts or undertakings
Managing intergovernmental negotiations and visits
Managing intergovernmental negotiations and visits
Maintaining an apolitical public sector
Maintaining an apolitical public sector
Related Matters
Consultation; Tabling of and Responses to Reports; Financial Entitlements for Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Third Party; Legislation, Executive Council and Cabinet; Cabinet and Other Documents; Forms of Address.
Conclusion
Public sector body Heads are responsible for taking appropriate action to ensure that their public sector bodies observe the conventions during the caretaker period
Caretaker Assistance
Before and during the caretaker period, the Office of the General Counsel within DPC is available to provide guidance on issues associated with the operation of the caretaker conventions.
Updated