Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is preparing for a cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm, who stepped down from the frontbench citing health reasons. The announcement came on Friday morning, marking a significant change within the state government ahead of the midterm of the current administration.
Ms Camm, the Member for Whitsundays, had recently returned from six weeks of medical leave during which she underwent major surgery. She indicated that the pressures and workload of her ministerial role were impeding her recovery. Earlier this year, she had been hospitalized for treatment of chronic migraines. Ms Camm also referenced the recent car attack on independent MP Helen Haines as a factor in her decision to move to the backbench, emphasizing that the ongoing harassment, threats, and personal vilification she experienced over the past year influenced her choice.
Her resignation ends a turbulent period marked by intense scrutiny from opposition parties and public criticism, including revelations about a previously undisclosed extramarital affair with Olympics Minister Tim Mander. Labor has been critical of Ms Camm's performance, with Opposition Leader Steven Miles stating that Premier Crisafulli delayed taking action despite concerns raised by whistleblowers within the department.
Ms Camm’s departure has left an opening in Mr Crisafulli’s cabinet, prompting speculation about her successor. Amanda Stoker, a former senator and federal assistant minister known for her conservative Christian-right background with the Liberal National Party (LNP), is widely regarded as the leading candidate. Ms Stoker is viewed as bringing extensive political experience and administrative capability to the role, qualities deemed essential for the challenging child safety portfolio.
Other potential candidates include regional assistant ministers Rebecca Young, Janelle Poole, and Bree James. A senior LNP source pointed to the importance of appointing a woman to maintain gender balance in the cabinet, which currently comprises 13 men out of 19 members. The same source noted that while appointing a first-term MP without prior exposure to difficult issues would be risky, Ms Stoker's experience makes her a solid choice.
Premier Crisafulli praised Ms Camm’s service, emphasizing her compassion and dedication to vulnerable women and children, and highlighted that her decision to step down was personal and unrelated to her performance. A cabinet reshuffle and the naming of Ms Camm’s replacement are expected imminently, potentially as soon as the upcoming weekend.