As the professional association for the public sector, we aim to support our members by delivering timely information and resources to support our members. Therefore, in the lead up to the South Australian election, IPAA SA hosted the ‘Understanding the Caretaker Period’ event.

The caretaker period begins when the House of Assembly is dissolved and the writs are issued; it concludes when the outcome of the election is clear or, if there is a change of government, the new government is appointed. This virtual event provided advice and support to public servants on what happens when the House of Assembly is dissolved to call an election and how the government cannot be held accountable for its decisions in the usual manner.

In accordance with the Constitution Act 1934, the writs for the next general election in South Australia are scheduled to be issued on Saturday, 19 February 2022, with the election scheduled to be held on Saturday, 19 March 2022. However, the election may be deferred up to 21 days if:

  • a federal election is called for March 2022, or
  • a state disaster occurs.

During the caretaker period, the business of government continues, and ordinary matters of administration still need to be addressed. However, to avoid binding an incoming government and limiting its freedom of action, it is accepted that special arrangements – the caretaker conventions – are necessary. In summary, the conventions are that the government:

  • avoids major policy decisions that would bind an incoming government
  • avoids making significant appointments
  • does not enter into major contracts or undertakings.

We were provided with valuable insights on what to expect during this period, and were joined by Crown Solicitor Ingrid Norman and Alison Lloydd-Wright, Executive Director, Cabinet Office, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, who was interviewed by Caroline Mealor, Chief Executive, Attorney-General’s Department.

This event was only accessible to IPAA SA State Government Members with State Government emails and was not be recorded.

You can find out further information on State elections and the Caretaker Period here – https://www.dpc.sa.gov.au/responsibilities/cabinet-and-executive-council/executive-government/state-elections

 

If you attended this event, we would really appreciate if you could please complete this short survey and provide your feedback. Complete the survey here>.

Learn about our speakers

Ingrid Norman

Crown Solicitor
South Australian Crown Solicitor's Office

Ingrid was admitted to legal practice in 1981 after completing a law degree at University of Adelaide and her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of South Australia. Her legal experience, initially in private practice and, since 1995 with the Crown Solicitor’s Office, has been extensive. Her public law practice has included working on two long running court actions and leadership of CSO’s outposted units at SA Health and Education. She moved to a leadership role in the CSO’s head office Advising Section in late 2011 and was appointed Assistant Crown Solicitor of the now Public Law Section in 2017. She was appointed Crown Solicitor in September 2021.

Alison Lloydd-Wright

Executive Director, Cabinet Office
Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Alison Lloydd-Wright is the Executive Director of Cabinet Office in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. In this role, she supports the delivery of core executive government functions, and provides policy advice and leadership across whole of government, as well as delivering key policy priorities for the Government of South Australia. She also leads the Population Strategy, and is passionate about ensuring South Australia continues to lead the world in liveability. She brings experience across a range of portfolios to the role, including senior roles in Regions, Social Policy, Skills and Water Reform.

Caroline Mealor FIPAA

Chief Executive
Attorney-General’s Department

Caroline began her legal career as the Associate to the Hon. Brian Cox QC and the Hon. Bruce Lander QC.

From 1995, she worked as a prosecutor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions before taking up a position as the Executive Director of the Legal and Legislative Services Division in the Attorney-General’s Department in 2011.

In 2013, she became the Deputy Chief Executive of the Attorney-General’s Department and in April 2018 was appointed as the Chief Executive.

Event brought to you by

IPAA SA
Government of South Australia

Date
Monday, 21 February 2022

Time
10:30am - 11.30am (ACDT)
(registration from 10:15am)

Location
Online (live webinar)

Costs
Free for all IPAA SA State Government Members
(if you are unsure of your membership status please contact IPAA SA)