Amanda Stoker is the new Queensland child safety minister
Former federal senator Amanda Stoker was sworn in on Saturday 24 October as Queensland’s new child safety minister, a day after Amanda Camm stepped down. Stoker takes on Families, Seniors and Disability Services, Child Safety, and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Natalie Marr was also appointed Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training.
Why Amanda Camm stepped down as Queensland child safety minister
Camm told Premier David Crisafulli late on Thursday and announced her decision on Friday 23 October. The Government’s statement says she stepped down due to illness. Camm described it as a considered and deeply personal decision, said she needs to put her health first, and will stay on as the member for Whitsunday.
The ABC and AAP report that she had recently returned from six weeks of medical leave. Both also report that she pointed to threats and harassment of politicians, including the alleged attack on federal MP Helen Haines.
What the new Queensland child safety minister has to deliver
The Premier said the new Queensland child safety minister will build on the reforms Camm started. The priorities he listed are:
- implementing the Government’s response to the Commission of Inquiry, with fewer children in residential care and more in foster care and adoption
- refining the state’s domestic and family violence laws
- rolling out the perpetrator electronic monitoring pilot across Queensland
- delivering more support for victims of domestic and family violence
The new Queensland child safety minister practised at the private bar in commercial law, administrative law and corporate crime. As a senator she served as assistant minister to the Attorney-General, and for industrial relations and for women. AAP reports she now holds the state seat of Oodgeroo, and that she acknowledged the portfolio is demanding and said she would give it her all.
Reaction to the Queensland child safety minister change
The portfolio has been under sustained scrutiny. The ABC and AAP report concerns including children in state care sleeping in government offices, and a reported rise in the deaths of children known to child safety.
Before the appointment, Labor leader Steven Miles said the choice of successor would show whether the Government prioritises child safety, and called for a senior, experienced minister. Queensland Council of Social Service chief executive Aimee McVeigh welcomed the appointment, saying reforms must keep children safe while making sure families and communities can reach essential services.
Related: Helen Haines attack: what we know, and what we still don’t.
Sources: Queensland Government ministerial statements on Camm’s decision and the new appointments; ABC News; AAP.
