What is the caretaker period?
The caretaker conventions apply in the lead-up to the State election. This period is known as the 'caretaker period'. The conventions help the government manage day-to-day public affairs. They also prevent the government from making certain decisions or taking specific actions.
The caretaker period starts when the Legislative Assembly finishes its term. It also begins if the Legislative Assembly dissolves, usually before an election. Caretaker period ends when either a new government takes office, or it is clear that the incumbent government has been returned.
During the caretaker period, there are guidelines for creating and sharing content. These restrictions and practices will impact your department's and your agency's daily tasks. The guidelines cover talking to the media and publishing digital content.
The Department of Premier and Cabinet released the ‘Guidelines on the Caretaker Conventions’ (Guidelines) and associated FAQs.
In 2026, the caretaker period commences at 6pm on Tuesday 3 November.
Below is a reference for managing content during this time.
Why manage content for caretaker?
Create a neutral environment
The public sector must remain apolitical and avoid involvement in political activities in the course of their work. This obligation arises under the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees and applies at all times, including during all federal, state and local election periods. During an election period, there may be heightened public attention and focus on the neutrality of the public sector and its work.
Reduce public distractions
Good management of online content stops controversial material from overshadowing real election issues.
What is recommended for departments and agencies?
During the caretaker period, your department or agency must not share digital material that promotes:
- party political content
- the government’s or a minister’s achievements
- government policies or initiatives.
At the start of the caretaker period, you should review:
- everything you publish and distribute digitally
- any new advertising and information campaigns you plan to run.
Code of Conduct for Victorian public sector employees
Section 2.2, “Remaining Apolitical” in the Code of Conduct for Victorian public sector employees, explains how to publish political material. It outlines the rules and guidelines for sharing such content. The guidance also applies outside the caretaker period. It also addresses issues of misconduct.
If you permanently unpublish content, make sure to archive it. This keeps it secure and available for future use, for example, when responding to a Freedom of Information request. Check the online records - digital guide and the website decommissioning template for details.
Public sector bodies must ensure their published information serves the public interest. Part 5A of the Public Administration Act 2004 sets out this rule. This applies to both print and online materials. Public sector bodies must ensure their information does not sway public opinion. It must not do this in favour of or against:
- a political party
- a candidate for election
- a member of Parliament
- the current government; or
- the current government of the Commonwealth, and is otherwise in accordance with the prescribed public sector communication standards set out in the Regulations.
Manage public records
The Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) (under section 12 of the Public Records Act 1973) sets the standards for managing the public records your department or agency create. Always check with your department's or agency's records or information management specialist first for the approach to compliance.
Refer to manage online records- digital guide or the PROV website for more information.
Security
Comply with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. Refer to the Victorian Protective Data Security Framework.
Managing existing content
What to check for
In most cases, your agency can leave what is already published before the caretaker period began. If it was apolitical enough to publish in the first place then it should be fine to leave.
Check the wording of any icons and links to other websites. Make sure they do not appear to promote government policy.
According to the Guidelines at section 53, public sector body websites may retain material placed on the website before the commencement of the caretaker period in most cases. One exception would be recent Ministerial media releases that comment on the Opposition or other political parties (or their members) in clearly critical terms.
What you can add
You can add any portfolio-related announcements to existing content, but only if it is normal practice - your agency needs to judge what you consider 'portfolio-related.'
This means you cannot add election promises but you can add, for example, a ministerial media release with a public health warning.
Existing social media accounts
Your social media guidelines should state that you are politically neutral, and you will remove any political, religious comments etc. If this is not the case then refer to use social media - digital guide and update them accordingly.
Your guidelines should also state that you do not retweet or mention ministers at any time, not just near an election or when there is a new government. Refer to manage ministerial - digital guide for more detail.
When the caretaker period starts (and perhaps every so often), politely remind your audience to keep their comments respectful.
Specific purpose websites for policies, events, projects or initiatives
The Guidelines at section 60 to 63 set out the requirements for specific purpose websites for policies, events, projects or initiatives. Public sector bodies should review the content of specific purpose websites at the start of the caretaker period in the same manner as the primary public sector body websites.
It may not be appropriate for a public sector body to continue to fund, maintain or host specific purpose websites if the policy, program, initiative or event for which the website was established is likely to be contentious in the election campaign.
Public sector bodies should consider whether the material on the website or the website itself could be seen as promoting.
- party political content
- government policies or initiatives; or
- the achievements of the government or a Minister.
Adding new content
Department and agency website social content
During the caretaker period (and in fact at any time) it is inappropriate for your agency and department's staff to add any content other than apolitical content to an agency website and social content feed.
You should escalate any requests you think might be inappropriate. This includes any content which is political in nature, or ministerial content.
Escalating a request to publish content on the government of the day
If you receive a request to publish content that seems inappropriate (promotes political content) you should:
- escalate to your manager first
- if necessary, escalate to the Strategic Communications group in your department or agency
- if the issue is not resolved, your escalation point is the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement, at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Managing upcoming digital advertising campaigns
What is acceptable digital advertising?
Digital advertising is acceptable as long as it remains apolitical. Acceptable advertising or information campaigns are campaigns that:
- give necessary public information. For example, a Transport Accident Commission advertisement which promotes public safety would be acceptable
- promote Victoria as a tourist destination but doesn't feature ministers or political content
- advertise essential operational information. This includes employment advertisements as long as they do not feature Ministers or promote Government policies
- distribute electronic material. For example, it is acceptable to respond to an agency's request for a public information campaign on fire safety.
Managing unacceptable digital advertising
It is important to consider whether your scheduled advertising could be interpreted as political. What you normally consider as appropriate and uncontroversial, others may legitimately see as party political.
Any content you are unsure about should be deferred. Outwardly political advertising should be withdrawn, and cancelled if it has already been booked.
If you plan to run a campaign to promote a government policy or minister (or both), it will become an especially sensitive activity and should be escalated.
Adding special messages for caretaker government
There may be a need to add temporary or special messages to your website or social media accounts during caretaker period.
Wording special messages
insert this text
'As the Victorian state election will be held on Saturday, 28 November the Victorian Government will assume a caretaker role from 6:00pm on Tuesday 3 November 2026, unless the Legislative Assembly is dissolved before this date. During the caretaker period, content will only be added to this website or digital channel in accordance with caretaker conventions.'
Formatting special messages
Websites on Single Digital Presence (SDP) should use the alert feature to add the special message. If your website is on content.vic.gov.au the SDP content team will add the alert on your behalf.
Code is available to add the alert on non-SDP websites. Contact your department's digital team if needed.
Further information
Further information for public sector employees and members of the public is available on the following pages:
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