Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has appointed Amanda Stoker as the state’s new Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. She will also take responsibility for Families, Seniors and Disability Services, following the departure of Amanda Camm from the ministry. The appointments were announced on 24 October 2026 and represent the first major change to the Queensland Cabinet since the Liberal National Party government took office in 2024.

Stoker, the state member for Oodgeroo, previously served as a senator representing Queensland in the Australian Parliament from 2018 to 2022. During her federal political career, she held several assistant minister positions and worked on legal and parliamentary matters. She entered Queensland state politics in 2024 and most recently served as Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training.

Her appointment follows Camm’s decision to step down after returning from six weeks of medical leave following major surgery. Camm explained that her recovery was continuing and that the demands and stress associated with the ministerial position would make it harder to prioritise her health. She confirmed that the decision was personal and said she intended to continue representing the Whitsunday electorate.

Camm had faced considerable scrutiny over her handling of child protection and domestic and family violence issues. Among the concerns raised during her tenure were reports of children in residential care sleeping on the floors of child safety offices and debate over funding for domestic and family violence prevention services. Her departure has therefore attracted attention to the challenges facing the incoming minister.

Premier Crisafulli said Stoker would continue the government’s reform program, particularly changes intended to improve the protection of vulnerable children. The government has committed to reducing the number of children living in residential care and increasing the use of foster care and adoption where appropriate. These objectives form part of its response to recommendations arising from a major inquiry into Queensland’s child safety system.

Domestic and family violence prevention will also remain a central responsibility. Queensland has introduced legislative reforms intended to strengthen protections for victims and increase accountability for perpetrators. The government has also planned electronic monitoring measures for some offenders. Stoker will be responsible for progressing these initiatives and reviewing the effectiveness of existing support services.

The change in leadership comes at a time when child protection agencies, frontline workers and community organisations continue to face significant demands. Ensuring that vulnerable children receive appropriate care requires coordination between government departments, foster carers, residential services and community-based organisations. Domestic violence services also depend on effective funding, timely responses and access to safe accommodation and specialist support.

Stoker’s immediate task will be to familiarise herself with the portfolios, assess the progress of existing reforms and determine which priorities require additional attention. Her decisions will be closely watched by opposition politicians, advocacy groups and families who rely on the state’s support systems.

The appointment marks a new stage for Queensland’s child safety and domestic violence policies. Its success will ultimately depend on the implementation of reforms, the quality of services available to vulnerable people and measurable improvements in safety and care across the state.