Queensland’s newly appointed minister for the prevention of domestic violence, Amanda Stoker, has attracted concern from women’s safety advocates due to her past remarks about allegations of violence and sexual assault. Stoker, a right-wing Queensland MP and former federal senator, assumed the role on Saturday following the resignation of Amanda Camm. The portfolio includes responsibility for the state’s domestic violence and child safety systems.
In a 2023 opinion piece, Stoker expressed caution over reforms aimed at prioritizing victims’ experiences in criminal proceedings, warning that a presumption to “blindly ‘#believeher’” without carefully assessing evidence could harm innocent defendants. She argued that recent changes allowing media to name accused rapists before trial undermine protections for those not proven guilty. Stoker further contended that some sexual assault allegations can be false, a position she has voiced repeatedly in public forums, including a 2019 Sky News interview.
These views have drawn criticism from advocates and survivors’ groups, who point to research showing that false allegations of sexual and domestic violence are rare. The Queensland Police Service states on its website that the notion of widespread false reporting is a harmful myth that contributes to the under-reporting of sexual offences, as victims may fear disbelief or blame.
Grace Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year and a vocal advocate for survivors’ rights, described Stoker’s appointment as “disappointing,” arguing it risks reinforcing damaging narratives that undermine victim-survivors of sexual and family violence—a social issue that continues to escalate across Australia.
Conversely, some community sector representatives have publicly welcomed Stoker’s appointment, though several who work with domestic and sexual violence victims have privately expressed unease amid a climate where criticism of the government is discouraged and funding cuts have affected support organizations. None spoke on record.
Stoker’s political background includes a prominent role as a conservative advocate, notably participating in anti-abortion rallies and gaining Senate appointment in 2018 with support from the Liberal National Party’s faction known as the “Christian soldiers.” After leaving the Senate in 2022, she was elected to the Queensland parliament in 2024.
The minister’s office declined to respond directly to questions about how Stoker’s previous statements align with the current government’s commitment to place “victims at the heart of government.” A spokesperson emphasized Stoker’s legal background and commitment to procedural fairness, vowing her intent to work collaboratively with stakeholders within the portfolio and to support the policy direction of Premier David Crisafulli’s government.
Advocates such as Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia, stressed the importance of leadership that fosters trust among victim-survivors. She noted that most women who experience sexual assault in Queensland—around 92%—do not report the incidents to police and underscored that believing disclosures does not equate to bypassing legal processes that ensure fair trials.
Stoker has also questioned certain safeguarding measures designed to protect victim-survivors during legal proceedings, including the use of “safe rooms” for giving evidence. In her 2023 commentary, she warned that restricting the accused's right to face their accuser risks wrongful convictions, a stance that contrasts with reform efforts aimed at supporting vulnerable witnesses.
As Queensland addresses ongoing challenges surrounding domestic and sexual violence, the appointment of Stoker to a key ministerial role has sparked debate over balancing victim support with protections for the accused within the justice system.