Conclusion

This chapter completes the detailed analysis of the different approaches to caretaker conventions in all Australian jurisdictions, New Zealand and local government in Victoria and Queensland. The likelihood of a publicised breach or confused response during the heat of an election campaign drives the continued updating of prescriptive guidance documents. Constitutional crises in New Zealand have now led to multiple sources of advice for the executive government, the Governor-General, minority parties and the public sector. Support for the observance of caretaker conventions for local governments is less institutionalised, presumably because it is a comparatively recent development. Local councils may seek to improve their internal support for managing their caretaker provisions as the implications of real or perceived breaches becomes obvious in future elections.