In Australia, introduction of fixed four year terms for most States, Territories and local councils has resulted in an orderly approach to the organisation of government business in the run-up to an election. For example, major contracts can be finalised and key appointments made without danger of falling through because of the unexpected calling of an election. Parliamentary business can be completed and legislation presented for assent without the threat of bills lapsing as the Parliament is dissolved. At present, only the Queensland and Commonwealth parliaments still adhere to three year non-fixed terms. It can be said that both jurisdictions suffer from the heightened uncertainty that this brings and both have experienced controversies about the application of the caretaker conventions in recent years.

Introduction of four year fixed terms in most jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand has taken the heat out many of the controversies which had attended their sudden application as an election was called. Bureaucracies are better prepared to enter the uncertainty of an election period and can be confident the mechanisms are in place to carry them through to the establishment of the next government. This development has led to a more mature approach to managing the continuity of government business during an election period.