The majority of jurisdictions accept the ‘appropriate’ use of government premises for media conferences and functions during an election campaign. The formula for determining ‘appropriateness’ is that if agency resources are involved, it is appropriate for the Opposition spokesperson, member or candidate also to be invited. This general approach is used by the Commonwealth, Victorian, South Australian, and ACT governments. All agree it is not appropriate for public servants to provide logistical support for political functions.

This approach is less developed than some other areas of concern within caretaker conventions. For example, no guidance is given on who is to arbitrate on this issue: it appears to be left to the discretion of local managers. In Western Australia, if Members of Parliament or candidates wish to visit a government facility, the CEO must be notified and they are to be accompanied by a representative during the visit. This is an issue which can have local application in a way that many of the other conventions do not, as local officers are required to take decisions about political figures with whom they have an ongoing working relationship.

Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory are silent on the issue within their guidance documents but may, during an election campaign, continue to use protocols that already exist to manage visits to government facilities.