Caretaker conventions in Australasia: minding the shop for government

• Main Author: Tiernan, Anne (auth)
• Other Authors: Menzies, Jennifer (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Canberra ANU Press 2007
• Subjects: Politics & government; public administration; politics and government; australia; 21st century; decision making; new zealand; Cameron-Clegg coalition; Chief executive officer; Civil service; Prime minister; Queensland
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

In this monograph, Anne Tiernan and Jennifer Menzies capably chart the often hazardous terrain of the 'caretaker period' that ensues from the time an election is called until a new government is formed. This is a landscape fraught with political and administrative dangers - particularly for public servants who are required to 'mind the shop' and keep the basic machinery of government going. The conventions represent an historical accretion of custom, practice and rules, often leavened with uncertainty. In tackling their subject, Tiernan and Menzies draw upon their shared past experiences as public servants and ministerial 'staffers' as well as the highest standards of academic scholarship - this is a 'must read' for politicians, public servants and students of government.