BY ANDREW STAFFORD
A FORMAL Federal Senator has completed a frontline political comeback after being sworn into a sensitive Queensland portfolio left vacant by the resignation of an embattled minister.
State Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker was appointed Queensland’s Minister for Domestic and Family Violence and Child Safety on Saturday, replacing Amanda Camm.
Ms Stoker said she looked forward to playing a greater role in David Crisafulli’s Liberal National government.
But the high-profile and often controversial ex-senator, known for her hardline views on social issues, was under no illusions about the job in front of her.
She acknowledged the difficulty of taking on a troubled ministry plagued by controversies during Ms Camm’s tenure.
“It’s a heavy responsibility given the vulnerability of many of the people to whom this portfolio relates,” Ms Stoker said.
“This is, I don’t think it’s a shock to say, a difficult area in which to work.
“But I came to the Queensland Parliament to do hard things and will leave nothing in the tank.”
Touted as a future Queensland Premier, Ms Stoker hit back when asked if she was being set up to fail.
“I’ve been given the greatest privilege a Queenslander can have, and that’s the opportunity to serve them in solving hard problems,” she said.
Ms Stoker served as a Queensland senator from 2018 to 2022 in the Morrison government.
She held the roles of Assistant Minister for Women and Industrial Relations and Assistant to the Attorney-General.
After a stoush saw her relegated to third spot on the Queensland Senate voting ticket, she lost her seat to the Greens in 2022.
She quickly transitioned, winning Oodgeroo, taking in the Redlands districts in Brisbane’s outer southeast as well as Minjerribah.
As a Federal Senator, Ms Stoker was outspoken on abortion, frequently addressing pro-life rallies. But she has remained quiet since, with Mr Crisafulli gagging debate on the subject.
“I’ve been a member of this government for two years and have supported the Government’s position on this issue consistently,” she said. AAP
