During election time Principals and school staff need to be cautious. The Department has clear expectations from staff. You would agree that creating a respectful inclusive environment is everyone’s responsibility. Be aware that any political comment or activity may be divisive. Although it is not specified by our employer, it is recommended that Principals and school staff refrain from handing out how to vote material at their workplace (school) if it is a polling place. That suggestion is aimed at maintaining relationship with the school community.

The following advice is blended information from the Department’s website, DoE Deputy Secretaries, DoE Professional & Ethical Standards (PES), Department of Premier & Cabinet as well as Government Business & Delivery personnel.

Be mindful that the Code of Conduct 10.1 states: Employees have a right to participate in political and community activities and to pursue personal interests provided they do so in a private capacity and do not allow a conflict of interest to arise with their role in the Department. Employees can communicate directly with a Member of Parliament on an issue affecting them as private citizens.

While all Department staff should be always vigilant to avoid partisanship, the circumstances of an election campaign require special attention to ensure public education remains apolitical and impartial. We also need to ensure that public resources are not misused for party political purposes. Except where it is clearly in the public interest to do so, and there is no risk that the material could be interpreted as promoting a particular political party or its policies, no areas of the Department including schools should add new material to school Apps or social media pages Social Media Policy (nsw.gov.au)

We are all so familiar that a conflict of interest occurs when the private interests of staff come into conflict with their duty to act in the public interest. It is not uncommon for conflicts of interest to arise when staff undertake their regular duties and it is important that staff know how to identify and manage conflicts of interest.

As abovementioned the Department’s Code of Conduct Code of Conduct (nsw.gov.au) provides guidance in relation to any political activities undertaken when not on duty. Obviously, the general rule is that employees must ensure that any participation in party political activities, including online or via social media, in their private time does not conflict with their primary duty as a public employee – of serving the government of the day in a politically neutral manner. Departmental employees need to also ensure that when speaking on political matters whilst not on duty, they are not identified in any way as acting or speaking in their capacity as a public sector employee.

In pre-election periods, there is an increased risk of any school becoming a focus of political activity and associated media attention. Schools are neutral places for rational discourse and objective study. The Department’s Media Relations Policy Media Relations (nsw.gov.au) outlines the process for handling inquiries from media outlets about the NSW State Election. The following are guiding principles for engaging with the media:

• All enquiries from media and all contentious enquiries should be directed to the department’s Media Directorate. A matter is contentious if it is likely to attract widespread criticism or argument in the media and/or lead to significant policy and resourcing issues – if unsure, please contact the Media Directorate on 7814 1559 (24/7) to discuss.
• Parental permission must be obtained if students are to be photographed, filmed, interviewed or otherwise identified by the media.

Contemporary political publications, signage or industrial notices containing material of a political nature are not permitted to be distributed to students at school or displayed on school grounds. Distribution of such materials by staff could reasonably be seen to be representing the school and is to be avoided.

Can Members of Parliament or candidates visit my school?

3.4 Requests to visit premises and facilities: In accordance with usual practice, requests by Members of Parliament to undertake visits of Government premises or facilities, such as gaols and schools, should be initiated formally through the relevant Minister or Minister’s office. These requirements do not, however, apply to a Member of Parliament in respect of his/her electorate. In those circumstances the Member may communicate directly with branches of agencies located within their electorate and arrange visits by direct contact with the local agency official in charge. Where Members or candidates (other than the Premier or Ministers) seek to visit premises or facilities, agencies should as far as possible be even-handed in their responses and assistance. Any such visits or inspections must also not be allowed to unreasonably disrupt the normal operations of the agency concerned.

 ‘Caretaker’ Conventions and Other Pre-Election Practices –2023 General State Election

Glossary

The pre-election period is the period from after the Legislative Assembly ceases to sit until the commencement of the caretaker period.

The caretaker period runs from the beginning of 3 March 2023 (when the Legislative Assembly expires) until either the election result is clear (if the current Government is returned) or the new Premier is commissioned to form Government (if there is a change in Government). As a general rule, no significant new decisions or initiatives, appointments, or contractual undertakings should be made during the caretaker period. Routine government business, however, should proceed as usual.

Article compiled by Greg McLaren (March 2023)