Public servants are allowed to begin consultations with the opposition from Thursday before a possible change of government in September.
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The three-month period for the talks was confirmed on Tuesday when the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet updated its guidance on the caretaker period.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard broke convention earlier this year by setting the election date.
She will advise the Governor-General to dissolve the House of Representatives, with writs to be issued on August 12 for an election for the House and half of the Senate, to be held on September 14.
''In line with long-standing convention, normal business of government continues until the House of Representatives is dissolved,'' the advice from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet says.
